NEW DELHI: Syed Ahmed Bukhari, the Shahi Imam of Delhi’s Jama Masjid, has strongly condemned the attacks on the Hindu minority in Bangladesh. He urged Muhammad Yunus, head of Bangladesh’s interim government, to act decisively against such injustices.
In a letter addressed to Yunus, Bukhari highlighted the historical ties between India and Bangladesh. “Since Bangladesh’s creation, India’s national leadership, media, civil society, and key figures have maintained strong relations with Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Sheikh Hasina Wajid, and the Awami League. Bangladesh has been a steadfast ally in diplomacy, regional issues, international affairs, and matters concerning the Muslim world,” he said, as per an ANI report.
Expressing concern over the unrest following Sheikh Hasina’s visit to India, Bukhari pointed out that both Muslim and non-Muslim supporters of the Awami League have been affected. He condemned the specific targeting of the Hindu minority, calling for an immediate end to such violence.
“While this initially seemed an internal matter of Bangladesh, the ongoing injustices and assaults on the Hindu minority are unacceptable. The government must remember India’s unwavering support during Bangladesh’s establishment, including sheltering millions of refugees and aiding during natural disasters. Such acts of violence tarnish the principles of justice and humanity,” he wrote.
Bukhari also invoked the UN declaration on minority rights, urging Yunus to safeguard Bangladesh’s image. “As a close ally and custodian of shared cultural heritage, I call upon Muhammad Yunus to address these injustices urgently. Bangladesh, as a Muslim-majority nation, must uphold the Islamic principles of justice and protection for minorities. Prejudice against minorities contradicts Islamic jurisprudence and global expectations of a Nobel laureate,” Bukhari emphasized.
Meanwhile, reports indicate further tensions. Over 60 monks were reportedly denied entry into India at the Benapole land port in Bangladesh, according to an ISKCON Kolkata spokesperson. Additionally, a Bangladesh court has scheduled a January 2, 2025, hearing for Hindu spiritual leader Chinmoy Krishna Das, who remains in custody on sedition charges.