Ranjit Debbarma, a legislator from the Tipra Motha Party, has raised alarm over the alleged violence against minority Hindus in Bangladesh. In a recent letter to the Interim Government of Bangladesh, Debbarma called for urgent security measures to protect religious minorities residing in the Chittagong Hill Tracts.
In his letter, Debbarma highlighted the disturbing reports of targeted attacks on Hindus, Buddhists, and Christians, which include physical assaults, murders, arson, and looting. He asserted that the situation worsened following recent protests, leading to widespread violence against these communities.
Debbarma expressed deep concern over the lack of security for religious minorities across Bangladesh, describing the situation as heartbreaking. He noted that many affected individuals are now struggling without basic necessities such as food, water, and shelter amidst the ongoing unrest.
The MLA also drew attention to the destruction of the historic 135-year-old “Bir Chandra Public Library” in Comilla, Bangladesh, established by Maharaja Bir Chandra Manikya of Tripura. According to Debbarma, the library, along with its invaluable religious and historical artifacts, was severely damaged in the violence.
“The looting and destruction of photos, idols, furniture, religious books, and historic texts like Rajmala represent a disgraceful chapter for Bangladesh as a nation,” Debbarma stated. He further pointed out that a large number of displaced religious minorities are now waiting at the borders of Indian States like Tripura, Meghalaya, Assam, Mizoram, and West Bengal, hoping to escape the violence in Bangladesh.
Debbarma also cited the escalation of violence in districts such as Khagracharri, Rangamati, and Bandarban in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, as well as in Habiganj and Maulavibazar, where indigenous people and religious minorities have been particularly targeted.
In his appeal, Debbarma urged the Bangladesh Government to prioritise the security of these vulnerable communities to prevent the further spread of violence beyond its borders.
