We have closely observed the recent remarks made by Mr. Barry Gardiner in the House of Commons, in which he presented numerous claims about Bangladesh that are factually inaccurate and seemingly informed by vested interests with an agenda. It is imperative to address and rectify these misconceptions to present a clear and truthful picture.
False Claim of Violence Against Hindus
Mr. Gardiner alleged that over 2,000 incidents of violence against Hindus occurred in Bangladesh following the fall of the previous government. This statement is entirely unsubstantiated and a blatant falsehood. In reality, the transition period after the fall of the autocratic Sheikh Hasina regime was marked by relative calm. While isolated incidents of political violence occurred, as is common in any political upheaval, these were directed against supporters of the ousted regime, not against minority communities.
In fact, during the largest Hindu festival, Durga Puja, Hindus celebrated peacefully without fear or disruption for the first time in years. Communities from Islamic backgrounds actively collaborated to provide security for Hindu temples and celebrations. Sporadic violence against individuals associated with the previous government was politically motivated and not targeted at Hindus or any other minority group based on religion.
Minority Representation and Communal Harmony in Bangladesh
Bangladesh is a model of communal harmony in South Asia, where people of all faiths live peacefully. Apart from Hindus, other minority communities, including Buddhists and Christians, have not reported any significant violence. Mr. Gardiner’s assertion that Bangladesh discriminates against its Hindu minority is baseless.
While it is true that Hindus represent approximately 8% of the population, they hold a disproportionate share of government and private sector jobs, constituting around 29% of government positions. In contrast, neighbouring India, despite having a Muslim population of 15%, has less than 1% Muslim representation in government jobs. Even in West Bengal, where Muslims form 35% of the population, their representation in public employment is negligible.
Persecution Under the Awami League
Any historical grievances of the Hindu community in Bangladesh are tied to the activities of the fallen Awami League regime. Numerous cases of land and wealth confiscation were perpetrated by Awami League leaders and their affiliates, not by opposition parties or religious groups. The narrative of Jamaat-e-Islami being involved in such activities is entirely without merit.
Jamaat-e-Islami and Political Suppression
Contrary to Mr. Gardiner’s statements, Jamaat-e-Islami was not banned for inciting violence or riots. The ban was a politically motivated act by the Sheikh Hasina government during a period of widespread student protests. These protests, initially against the discriminatory quota system in government jobs, escalated due to violent suppression by the Awami League. Over 200 students were killed during the crackdown, and 2,000 people, including students and activists, lost their lives during the broader anti-government movement. More than 30,000 were injured, many permanently disabled. Sheikh Hasina’s government sought to scapegoat Jamaat-e-Islami as a diversion, leading to its ban through a politically charged decree.
Misrepresentation of Bangladesh’s Secular Constitution
Mr. Gardiner’s claim that Bangladesh’s secular constitution of 1971 is no longer valid is historically and factually incorrect. Bangladesh adopted its first constitution in 1972, not 1971. While the military government under General Ershad declared Islam the state religion in 1988, this symbolic act did not alter the secular nature of the constitution. Comparatively, this is akin to the United Kingdom’s constitutional monarchy, where the King is the symbolic head of the Church of England, yet the UK is not classified as a Christian state.
The Chinmoy Krishna Das Case
The arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das was based on specific charges of sedition. He allegedly raised the Hindutva flag above the Bangladeshi national flag and incited calls for foreign intervention, causing significant unrest. Contrary to Mr. Gardiner’s portrayal, Chinmoy is not a member of ISKCON, and ISKCON Bangladesh has publicly disassociated from him due to allegations of violent extremism and child abuse. ISKCON UK had already barred Chinmoy from holding executive roles due to these allegations.
Furthermore, following Chinmoy’s arrest, his supporters vandalized court premises in Chittagong, resulting in the tragic killing of Assistant Public Prosecutor Saiful Islam and the destruction of a mosque. These actions underline the severity of Chinmoy’s influence and the dangers posed by his supporters.
Conclusion and Call for Accountability
We urge Mr. Gardiner to verify his sources and conduct thorough research before making statements that mislead the British public and malign the reputation of Bangladesh. His claims lack factual basis and appear to be influenced by specific interest groups.
We welcome Mr. Gardiner to visit Bangladesh and independently assess the realities on the ground. Bangladeshis of all backgrounds are committed to maintaining the nation’s harmony and unity. We also demand an unreserved apology from Mr. Gardiner for propagating misinformation and tarnishing the image of a peaceful, inclusive nation.
