Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee asked for a peacekeeping force from the United Nations (UN) to be sent to Bangladesh to protect religious minorities who are facing violence. She also requested that Prime Minister Narendra Modi step in and take action to ensure the safety of these minorities.

Why did Mamata Banerjee raise this issue?

Ms. Banerjee made this statement after hearing about the ongoing unrest in Bangladesh. The unrest began in August when a student-led rebellion forced Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to step down. Since then, the situation has gotten worse under a temporary government run by the army. The violence has targeted religious minorities, and three Hindu priests from the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) have been arrested.

Addressing the Bengal Assembly, Ms. Banerjee stated, "We have families... properties... and loved ones in Bangladesh. We accept whatever stance the Government of India takes on this... but we condemn atrocities on religious grounds anywhere in the world and appeal to the union government and the Prime Minister to intervene."

She added that the Indian government should take the matter to the United Nations to ensure the deployment of a peacekeeping force. "If Indians are attacked in Bangladesh, then we cannot tolerate it. We can bring back our people... The Government of India can take this matter up with the United Nations... so a peacekeeping force can be sent," she said.

What actions have been taken so far?

Last week, Prime Minister Modi had a meeting with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar to talk about the situation in Bangladesh. After the meeting, Mr. Jaishankar asked Bangladesh’s temporary government to make sure that religious minorities are kept safe. He also briefed Parliament, saying, "Primary responsibility for protection of life and liberty of all citizens of Bangladesh, including minorities, rests with the Government of Bangladesh."

India’s High Commission in Dhaka is carefully watching the situation in Bangladesh. Bangladesh’s temporary government, led by Nobel Peace Prize winner Mohammad Yunus, has promised that all people in Bangladesh have the right to practice their religion freely.

Recent arrests and protests

ISKCON spokesperson Radharamn Das confirmed that two priests were arrested on Saturday. They joined two other followers and a priest's secretary who went missing. The arrests started with Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari last week, who was charged with sedition.

These events sparked protests in cities like Dhaka and Chattogram. Protesters have demanded stronger legal protection for minorities and a dedicated ministry for minority affairs.

Declining Hindu population in Bangladesh

The number of Hindus in Bangladesh has decreased a lot over the years. In the 1971 Liberation War, they were 22% of the population. Today, they make up only 8%. The community has faced many problems, and recent events show that their struggles continue.

Ms. Banerjee highlighted the need to handle the situation carefully while respecting Bangladesh's right to make its own decisions. She also pointed out that India has helped Bangladesh in the past, like when Indian authorities rescued Bangladeshi fishermen who accidentally entered Indian waters.