Patanjali founder, Baba Ramdev, on Tuesday, condemned the attacks on Hindu establishments in Bangladesh following student protests that spiraled out of control, leading to violence and forcing Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to resign. He urged the Indian government to utilize its diplomatic capacity to protect Hindus in the neighboring country.
In a self-made video, Baba Ramdev stated, “There should be no cruelty or atrocity on Hindus in Bangladesh – be it the Hindus who are involved in trade there, or Hindu temples there, or Indians living there. For this, the entire country has to be united.” He described the reported attacks on Hindu properties in Bangladesh as both shameful and dangerous.
Ramdev expressed concerns about the situation, telling ANI, “The way fundamentalist forces are carrying out well-planned attacks on Hindu homes, temples, and businesses in Bangladesh is both shameful and dangerous.” He emphasized the need for India to remain vigilant to protect the Hindus in its neighboring state, saying, “The entire country will have to stand with its minority Hindu brothers with full strength.” He also asserted, “We helped create Bangladesh; if we can create Bangladesh, we must show our strength in protecting Hindus living there.”
The yoga guru alleged that individuals in India were trying to create similar unrest under the guise of caste, religion, and reservation issues. He stated, “It is unfortunate that some politicians, religious extremists, and certain YouTubers are attempting to create similar unrest in India in the name of caste, religion, reservation, and the Constitution, threatening the nation’s unity and integrity. We must counter these efforts with strength.”
Several former diplomats and experts have voiced concerns about the situation in Bangladesh, urging the Indian government to stay vigilant. They have also warned of potential migration from Bangladesh and suspect “foreign involvement” in the violence that engulfed the neighboring country.
With Sheikh Hasina’s departure creating a power vacuum in Bangladesh, the army chief has called for the formation of an interim government. According to a Mint report published on August 6, several former bureaucrats and governors were considered for the role. Nobel laureate and former managing director of Grameen Bank, Muhammed Yunus, is set to lead the interim government, according to the Bangladesh press secretary’s statement to AP on Wednesday.
