Welcome Address by Dr Arvind Gupta, Director VIF during the Exhibition and Panel discussion on “The Never Ending Persecution of Minorities in Bangladesh"

Dear Friends,

The Vivekananda international Foundation is today organising a panel discussion on The Never Ending Persecution of Minorities in Bangladesh”. We are also hosting an exhibition on the subject put together by the Foundation for Advancement of Cultural Ties (FACT).

I would like to thank Ambassador Satish Chandra, Vice Chairman of the VIF and former Dy NSA, amb Veena Sikri, former High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Dr Anirban Ganguly, Chairman and Trustee of Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee Research Foundation (SPMRF) and Mr Francois Gautier, a renowned journalist and author who has written several books like the Wonder That Is India and Sri Sri Ravi Shankar A Guru of Joy. He regularly writes for French news paper on India. He is Editor-in-Chief of La Revue de l’Inde, a litteray magazine devoted to India.

Last August, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina ousted from power in circumstances attempt to a coup. One of the most disturbing development since her ouster has been the return of the Islamists radicals and persecution of Hindus and other minorities. The Law and Order has deteriorated sharply.

The Indian Prime Minister, in a telephonic conversation with the Chief Adviser had to raise the issue of ensuring safety and security of minority with the Chief adviser. However, the situation continued to deteriorate. Several Bangladeshi citizens have fled to India. The same message was repeated by the FS in Dec 2024. However, the situation has continued to deteriorate.

India cannot but the concerned about what is happening in Bangladesh today. Pakistan has made a major comeback in the country. Anti Indian sentiments have grown while India has supported a democratic stable and peaceful Bangladesh, the statement emanating from Bangladeshi leaders are not conducive. The memories of 1971 have been refreshed. India Bangladesh relations are at a critical juncture.

Today’s panel discussion will take stock of the persecution of the minorities in Bangladesh and the impact on India-Bangladesh relations.