An eminent patriot and internationally renowned celebrated scientist Dr. Arun Kumar Basak is being subjected to harassment and mental torture, perpetrated by a government establishment. This makes it difficult for him to devote himself to study and research. He and the other members of his family are passing their days in a state of deep insecurity. Dr. Basak was honored with the highly prestigious Bangladesh Academy of Sciences Gold medal in 2006 for his outstanding contributions in the field of Physical Sciences.

Rubi Villa is a name of an old house. Professor Amiretus of Rajshahi University Arun Basak is the owner of this house. It’s situated of the middle of Rajshahi city near Boalia police station. Read the rest of this entry »

Tags: Bangladesh, danger, hindu, scientist, Video

By Rabindranath Trivedi

Since Hindus in East Bengal turned Bangladesh participated in all nationalistic movements right from the beginning of our glorious Language Movement in 1948, 1952 and 1966 to the heroic War of Liberation in 1971, along with their co-linguistic brothers and sisters belonging to the major religious group of Bangladesh, their hopes and aspirations have naturally become very high.

What happened in the early fifties, happened again in Bangladesh in 1992 and 2001. As a result the silent migration of Hindus from this country could not be stopped. The state failed to provide security to the minorities despite equal rights guaranteed to them in the constitution.

The self-contradictory “State Religion Provision” and “Vested Property Act” compromised making the State pledge meaningless.

This is an unending story of Hindus. Now we are talking about the present situation in Bangladesh. The print media reportedly published a number of incidences of violation of human rights. I could quote the headline of those stories published in the local dailies during the last 12 months in 2009, that would tell of its saddest thoughts of humiliation of Hindus. Read the rest of this entry »

Tags: Bangladesh, hindu, human, rights, violations

IANS | Dhaka

An ancient Hindu temple in a village near the Bangladesh capital has been vandalised, the miscreants breaking six idols, police were quoted as saying on Saturday.

Some 30-35 people attacked the Sri Sri Rahshakali temple in Ashrafdi village in Naranaganj district on Friday night, the bdnews24 web site quoted a police official as saying.

They also damaged four adjacent houses and injured five people, it said.

Police officer Mohammed Yunus Ali said the temple was attacked following an altercation between a Hindu and three youths in the village. A case has been registered, the official said.

Tags: Bangladesh, hindu, muslim, temple, terrorism, vandalized

BNP and Awami League were united for their self-interest of Hindu minority persecution. Though, in the political field both of this two big political parties have been quarrel and fight each and other. Nuruzzaman Piter is an influential businessman who is to close with a central leader of BNP and former Mayor of Rajshahi city Mizanur Rahman Minu. On the other side, Jahangir Alam Haran is another great businessman, who is to close with a central leader of Awami League and present Mayor of same city A H M Khairuzzaman Liton.

Both of two businessmen have a land of the middle of Rajshahi city. In front of their land have a small piece of land (one and half Katha) which of owner Hindu minority Gopal Ram and Noresh Ram (both of are brother). One side of the land has a small wheat broken factory. Other side they have been living in a small room. But, the influentials businessmen were wanted to buy this land of piece for increasing their multistoried building. Owner of that land was denied to sell it. After then the influentials were making conspiracy to evict from hereditary homestead of them and to grab this land. For this they wanted to use Army men.

On 1st January, 2010 Gopal Ram told, this was a house. My older mother was living here. But, the influentials was destroyed it. When they were doing vandalizing my mother and a daughter of my brother were inside of this house. They would be killed, fortunately they were safe. By brutally they were attacked in the night (at around 3.00am). We were afraid and anxious. Even our lives were hard to safe. In that time nobody was helped us. Read the rest of this entry »

Tags: Bangladesh, hindu, Politics, Religion

[This document was originally published in Mukto-Mona. Due to constant requests from our visitors and also being constantly referred in discussions, we found the need to republish here. All the research was designed and presented by Rahul Gupta, an ex-Editor of Mukto-Mona.

Even considering the migrating population to India, 20 million Hindus are missing in Bangladesh. This is a saga of Hindu genocide in Bangladesh that hasn't been brought into light before.]

Hindus comprised nearly 30% of the total population in Bangladesh in 1947. After the exodus of minorities following the partition of India in 1947, the hindu population went down to about 22% by 1951. Due to unabated persecution, intimidation, and forcible conversion to Islam, the Hindu-Minority population kept on dwindling and now stands at a meager 10.5% of the total population in Bangladesh (1991 census).

Interesting to note that minority Muslim population in adjoining West Bengal (India) showed a positive growth rate and according to 1991 Census, stood at nearly 24% of the total population from only about 12% in 1947. Read the rest of this entry »

Tags: Bangladesh, death, fascism, hindu, islamic, missing

Hindus Greet Jews

Acclaimed Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, in a release in Nevada (USA) today, expressed warmest greetings on Hanukkah festival, wishing happiness, peace and joy to all the Jews.

Zed, who is the president of Universal Society of Hinduism, stressed that all religions should work together for a just and peaceful world. Dialogue would bring us mutual enrichment, he added.

Hanukkah (Hebrew word for “dedication”), with origins in second century BCE, begins on 25 Kislev and is observed by kindling of lights of Menorah. It celebrates the triumph of light over darkness, of purity over adulteration, and of spirituality over materiality. It also refers to a legend of one day’s supply of the holy oil miraculously lasting eight days.

Judaism is a monotheistic religion of world’s about 14 million Jews whose most sacred text is Torah. Hinduism, oldest and third largest religion of the world, has about one billion adherents and moksha (liberation) is its ultimate goal.

Tags: hanukkah, hindu, jews

Ramna Kali Mandir

The Ramna Kali Mandir was destroyed by the Pakistan Army in March 1971.The destruction of this temple was, ironically, a sign of the advent of tougher times for Hindus of Bangladesh. Hundreds of people who had taken shelter inside the temple were slaughtered as were hundreds of thousands of others throughout the country. Swami Paramananda Giriji, the priest, held on to the deity and prayed till the very end when he was burned alive by Pakistani forces.

The destruction of the temple and the accompanying slaughter is not just another dark blot on history; it is the symbol of cruelty and tyranny almost unparalleled in history. The iconic images of Sheikh Mujib addressing massive crowds in the 7th March 1971 rally prominently show the Ramna Kali Mandir in the background. The picture indeed promised a secular, free Bangladesh. Alas, it was not to be. The minorities of Bangladesh have been victimized throughout post independence history.

The Ramna Kali Mandir must be rebuilt at the same spot where it originally stood. Bangladesh governments in the recent past have promised to rebuild the temple but not at the original site. The temple must be rebuilt at the original site. This cannot be compromised.

The Hindu community must come together with renewed zeal to pursue the construction of the great temple. The demand for construction of the temple at it’s original site can become a national movement. The success of the Ramna Kali Mahamandir movement can well be symbolic of the Hindus of Bangladesh. With the successful construction of the temple, the Hindu community of Bangladesh will no doubt be filled with renewed zeal and unity to find their right, respectful place in Bangladeshi society.

The temple must be, as proposed, accompanied with a memorial; a reminder to our future generations. The temple must be of a scale no less than it’s original form. Let this temple be the pivot of the Hindu movement in Bangladesh.

Update: Feb 01, 2010

Correction from Ratib: Bangabandhu removed the LAST stones of the temple, NOT the Pak Army, but BANGABANDHU removed the last stones, laid grass on the land, confiscated it from the Hindu Board, and gave it to The Dhaka Club

Tags: destruction, fascism, hindu, mandir, muslim

Hindu Women Raped

The plight of the Hindu community of Bangladesh is disturbing. Regularly, one hears about attacks on Hindus and atrocities on women and children of Hindus. Temples and Hindu establishments also routinely face the brunt of extremists in Bangladesh. The role of the Bangladesh government has always been fishy. BNP or Awami League, it doesn’t really make much of a difference. The Hindu community of Bangladesh are apparently forced to live as second class citizens.

What is the reason for this? The rise of Islamic extremism has obviously led to the present scenario. But who are responsible for the rise of hardline islamics? The answer is—successive Bangladesh governments. They have forgotten the pillars on which the Bangla nation was formed. The ideology of those very extremists who supported Pakistan during the ’71 Liberation war is prospering. The secular, progressive credentials of Bangladesh have been long consigned to the dustbin of history. Politically, the situation is bound to worsen. Let Hindus not have any hope from the government.

Then what is the solution? Apparently, Hindus in Bangladesh face a problem; a problem of survival and life of safety, respect and dignity; and this problem needs a solution. The solution; or at least a step towards the solution; would be—Political empowerment.

The Hindus must aim to become a political force in the country. They must be united in quest of this goal. The community must vote for a consensus candidate and when Hindus are attacked or threatened, the community must hit the streets together. The Hindus must have no hesitation in becoming a “vote bank”. The Hindus must, as a primary goal, seek to make themselves relevant to the extent that they can influence 50-60 seats in the Jatiya Sangsad. Then and only then will their voice be heard loud and clear. And in these attempts, the Hindus must bring with them the other minorities of Bangladesh.

The future of Hindus is in the hands of the Hindus. Let us ensure that we decide our fate, not others.

Tags: extremism, fascism, hindu, islamic, rights, terrorism

Yoga: For a Stable Mind & Body

British actress Anastasia Griffith (Solitary Man), 31, who is a big fan of yoga and does meditation also, thinks “yoga can help really to keep you centered, keep you grounded, keep you focused”.

Brazilian actress Morena Baccarin (Way Off Broadway), 30, reportedly said: “I like Jivamukti yoga, which is really hard and acrobatic, but there’s a lot of meditation too, which is nice.”

MTV Award winner American model-actress-singer Carmen Electra (Starsky & Hutch), 37, was reportedly spotted doing yoga moves while holidaying in Greece.

BAFTA winner actress Thandie Newton (Crash), 37, reportedly considers herself “yoga freak”. Cesar Award winner French actress-singer Vanessa Paradis (La fille sur le pont), 36, and actress Rebecca Gayheart (Bunny Whipped), 38, also practice yoga.

But acclaimed Hindu statesman Rajan Zed argues that ‘yoga’ has come to only mean in the entertainment world as ‘modern postural yoga’, while it actually is a mental and physical discipline by means of which the human-soul (jivatman) unites with universal-soul (parmatman). Read the rest of this entry »

Tags: body, hindu, rajan, west, yoga, zed

Freedom of Religion

A Malaysian Muslim woman, named S. Banggarma (27), who was converted to Islam at the age of 7 is fighting to be recognized as a Hindu. She claims that although she was given a Muslim name, she led her life as a Hindu. She told AFP, “I have always stuck to my Hindu roots and practised all the traditions,’ she told AFP. “I was born as a Hindu, I have lived as a Hindu and I will die as a Hindu.”

This is a very problematic matter in Malaysia. The vicious anti-conversion laws make it almost impossible for Muslims to convert to other faith. We sincerely hope the Malaysian authority let this woman practice Hinduism and to be recognized as a Hindu.

Islamic extremism is rising in Malaysia. There has been instances such as banning yoga for Muslims. This is an ongoing struggle that the Muslim countries all over the world is facing. The minorities and liberals are being subjugated and persecuted. We will be following this news and update accordingly.

Source:  Dawn

Tags: convert, hindu, malaysia, rights

The Conservative prime minister of Canada has taken the initiative to reach out to the world Hindus. In India, he has taken commendable steps to create a bridge between Canada and the Hindu population. We strongly welcome and encourage the work of the Conservative government of Canada as well as the Prime Minister.

New Delhi, India (AHN) – Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper ended his three-day visit to India on Wednesday by praying for world peace at the Golden Temple in Amritsar and the BAPS Swaminarayam Akshardham Temple.

It is the world’s largest Hindu temple in New Delhi. Amritsar in northern India is considered the spiritual center of Indian Sikhs.

The prime minister, in his farewell speech, said he came to India extending a hand of friendship and with the aim of starting an era of stronger relations between Ottawa and New Delhi.

Harper said, “We have a solid foundation to build upon. The bonds between Canada and India are strong and plentiful. We are both democratic federal states that have forged cohesive societies out of ethnically, spiritually and linguistically diverse populations. And we are both nations whose aspirations are being realized through the ingenuity and the resiliency of our people.”

He said among the steps taken by Canada and India to reach their common goals are the signing of two agreements made during his visit. The deal involves the establishment of a possible free trade agreement and cooperation on energy.

Source: AllHeadlineNews

Tags: canada, conservative, hindu, temple

By Jahangir Alam Akash, In Bangladesh, the brutal persecution of the Hindu, Christian religious minority and indigenous ethnic minorities is going ahead with full steam. Until now, the persecution that both communities faced never saw the light of justice. A culture of the denial of justice in Bangladesh is the root of all the persecution against the ethnic and religious minorities, which isn’t only affecting a part of the country, but is plaguing the entire criminal justice system in Bangladesh.

General Zia and his predecessors introduced persecution against the minorities in Bangladesh. Bangladesh became Islamized under the military regime, rather than being a true parliamentary democracy. Bangladesh was not born with the blessing of being united beyond ethnic and religious differences, but rather has been Islamized, yet with a secular policy.

Religious minority oppression is a common phenomenon in Bangladesh. Every day, minority oppression is growing at an alarming rate. Yet our government is not doing its duty to safeguard the minority groups. Why aren’t they doing something to stop minority torture? We don’t know. But we have been seeing that most of the perpetrators are linked with the ruling party. People think that the present government may be turning a blind eye at minority issues. We want to say clearly that the people do not want to see the issue ignored, but rather, that they want to see peace and happiness. Read the rest of this entry »

Tags: Bangladesh, extremism, hindu, islamism, rights, terrorism

A Hindu family was attacked by allegedly government party workers. They abducted 9 people from the family and left them with chaos. The father is living a very fearful life concerning the safety of his two daughters.

Although the police initially rejected to assist the Hindu family later they caved in due to media pressure. They arrested four people behind this attack. While asked the police commissioner he declined to comment on this issue.

Our human rights worker in Bangladesh, William Gomes was on the scene taking a series of footage of this developing story. We were able to get a word from the State Minister, police commissioner and the family.

State Minister of Bangladesh on Minority persecution

The Hindu minority in Bangladesh describing the forceful abduction story

Police commissioner Dhaka

Tags: Bangladesh, extremism, fascism, hindu, islamism, muslim, terrorism

Honorable Prime Minister and daughter of Bangabondhu Sheikh Hasina, please have look your eyes to minority community. We ask you as a citizen of Bangladesh you have don’t seen anything what happening in Bangladesh? But, why, every day the newspapers have been published much news about minority torture. You have many hands as a Prime Minister, so why don’t take action against minority perpetrators? Still have much time with your hands. So, please safe our minority peoples and their wealth.

Adv.Rabindra GhoshPresident-Bangladesh Minority Watch (BDMW) was sent news which was published in the daily Sangbad. We have known that, Sangbad is an oldest newspaper in Bangladesh. And they have goodwill as a responsible journalism.
Read the rest of this entry »

Tags: fascism, hindu, minority, oppression, Politics, Religion

Twenty minority Hindu families of Kajir Hat and Keramotia village of Chordorbesh union of Sonagaji sub district in southern Bangladesh by local Muslim extortionist.

Local Muslim extortionist Jafar ,Yunus ,Saiful ,Ripon and others demand regular extortion from local minority hindhu families of Kajir Hat and Keramotia village,when the minorities refused to give extortion money the extortionists start persecuting the minorities Said Nitia Das of Kalibari village

The extortionists sized 45 thousand taka from Nitia Das of Kalibari village, when the other hindhu minorities of the village refused to give extortion money the extortionists abducted a minority Hindu girl and later paying Fifteen thousand taka extortion money said Nitia Das of Kalibari village

Boloram Das a local minority Hindu said the extortionists forcefully abducted a young girl of our family, later we have paid twenty five thousand taka extortion money and they released the girl.

Boloram Das said the extortionist Yunus is now threatening to marry a minor Hindu girl forcefully.

Boloram Das said we have consulted with the local people to help us and to police but no one is helping us.

Boloram Das added that at least twenty minority Hindu families of our locality can not go back home for these extortionists.

Human rights activist Dipal Barua said the attacks on minorities are growing notably. We highly condemn these attacks on minorities and we demand to the government to take proper actions against extortionists as soon as possible.

Tags: attacked, Bangladesh, hindu, muslim, terrorism

Hindu Woman Raped & Killed in Bangladesh

Radha Rani Halder, a newly married Hindu woman of the Shariatpur District under Dhaka Division in central Bangladesh, was raped and killed by a group of Muslim miscreants on June 27, 2009.

Ms. Halder worked for the local NGO, the Shariatpur Development Society (SDS).

Mr. Dipankar Bairagee, husband of the slain woman, said that, at about 11 a.m. on June 27, Ms. Halder went for loan collection, as part of her work with the NGO, to the house of local village leader, Mr. Halim Matubbar, in South Goaldia village.

But when she did not return until afternoon, her co-workers started searching for her as she didn’t return on time to the office with the money, and that her mobile was not responding, said Mr. Quamrul Hasan(Badal), the Sector Chief of SDS.

“Finally after frantic search until on late at night, we discovered the unclothed dead-body of Ms. Halder with her throat half-slit near Hajeer Pukur of Palong Upazila in Shariatpur”, said Sector Chief Hasan.

Mr. Bairagee, the devastated husband of the deceased, said, “We got married about 2 months ago. She took up the job to relieve the family of its hardships, but got killed in this brutal way”.

“We have filed a case with the police, but they failed to arrest any of the perpetrators”, said he.

“Local Muslim Mohammed Kalam, Borhan and Motaleb killed my wife after raping her; and they also snatched an amount of Tk 43,996.00, as well as a golden chain and earring from my wife”, added Mr. Bairagee.

Shariatpur police chief said, “The case is under investigation; we are doing our best; and we have arrested one of the suspect”.

Annie Halder, a Catholic human rights activist, expressed anxiety over growing attacks on the minorities in Bangladesh.

“We demand proper investigation of this case and due justice to theperpetrators”, said she.

Tags: Bangladesh, extremist, hindu, muslim, raped, woman

On July 25th local Muslims attacked on a four Hindu minority houses and ransacked the local temple at Narsangdi in Bangladesh.

On Saturday late night at Charsindhu village of Polash union a group of armed Muslims attacked on a local Hindhu temple and near by four Hindu houses said a victim Onjoli Bormon

Minority Hindu victim victim Onjoli Bormon said a group of armed Muslims lead by Joinal came and attacked on our temple as we run to save the temple and the perpetrators attack on us and in our houses

In attack Mr.Dirandra chondro Bormaon ,Ms.Onjoli Bormon ,Ms.Nioti Bormon,Mr.Hironi Bormon and Sunil Bormon were seriously injured.

Some of them get admitted in local hospital said Minority Hindu victim Onjoli Bormon

Locals said to grave the land of Hindu crematorium (where Hindu people get burned) yard the local Muslims attacked on them

Catholic human rights activist Annie Halder said attacks on different Hindu minorities are raising all over the country this is really alarming. We highly condemn attack on these minority Hindu families.

Local police said we are doing our best to trace the people behind this attack and already we have insure the security of the minorities on that area

Tags: atrocities, Bangladesh, death, fascism, hindu, muslim, temple

On July 21st the Laxmi Gobinda Jew temple was ransacked by unidentified dacoits at offshore island Bhola in South-western Bangladesh.

On July 21st late night the dacoits brook the temples door and they have looted a historic Statue and things worth 1corer, said the priest Gobinda Thakur

The police are trying their best to find out the people behind this said local police

Local Hindu devotees shared the deep concern over the incident.

Tags: Bangladesh, extremism, hindu, muslim, temple

A minority Hindu family in Bagerhat, a district in South-western Bangladesh was looted by unknown perpetrators said locals

On July 22nd the family members of a Hindu family in the Sabekdanga union was fainted and the local took them to near by hospital later on July 23th said locals

Subas Chandra,Oronna Rani Das ,Gopal Chndra Das and Sumitra Rani confirned that the perpetrators took a notable amount and ornaments of woman

Local Hindu and other shared their deep concern about the incident.

Tags: attacked, Bangladesh, hindu, muslim, terrorism