‘Part Of A Long History Of Persecution’: Amish Tripathi Calls For Global Attention On Violence Against Minorities In Bangladesh

 

In an exclusive discussion with NewsX, renowned author Amish Tripathi has called for increased global awareness and intervention regarding the systematic persecution of minorities in Bangladesh. Tripathi argues that the ongoing violence against Hindus, Christians, and Sikhs in Bangladesh and Pakistan represents a severe and sustained campaign against these communities, reflected in the significant decline in their populations over the past several decades.

“What’s happening in Bangladesh isn’t just a recent development; it’s part of a long history of persecution spanning over 75 years,” Tripathi stated. He cited research by scholars such as Pakistani academic Farahnaz Ispahani and Bangladeshi professor Barkat from Dhaka University, who have highlighted the dramatic reduction in minority populations in both Bangladesh and Pakistan. “At independence, the proportion of minorities in Pakistan was around 11-12%. Today, it’s down to about 2.5-3%. In Bangladesh, the minority population was less than a third at independence, but now it’s only about 8.5-9%. That’s nearly a 20% drop,” he noted.

Tripathi pointed to the 1971 persecution during Pakistan’s Operation Searchlight as a particularly egregious example, with an estimated 2-3 million Bangladeshis killed, disproportionately targeting Hindus. “This has been extensively documented by many Bangladeshis and underscores that these atrocities are not isolated incidents but part of a systematic effort to ethnically cleanse the region of its minority populations,” he said.

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Regarding current figures like Muhammad Yunus and their roles, Tripathi emphasized that the issue extends beyond individual leaders or regimes. “This has been ongoing for 75, 80 years. It’s not tied to any particular regime—it’s a state and societal problem,” he remarked. “This is one of the most oppressed minority groups in the world, and the global community must do more to protect those who remain.”

Tripathi also critiqued the global response to the plight of minorities in Bangladesh, comparing the muted reaction to that of other international crises like Gaza or Ukraine. He suggested that geopolitical interests often dictate which issues gain global attention, leaving the persecution of Hindus, Christians, and Sikhs largely ignored by powerful nations. “The Christians and Sikhs in Bangladesh and Pakistan are ignored as well, not just Hindus. We in India must introspect on what we’ve done to bring attention to this and help these beleaguered communities.”

Reflecting on India’s role, Tripathi acknowledged the complexity of international relations but argued that India must intensify its efforts to protect minorities in Bangladesh. He referenced the Nehru-Liaqat Pact of 1950, which committed both countries to protecting their respective religious minorities. “While India’s minority population has increased, the same cannot be said for Pakistan and Bangladesh, where minorities have been systematically wiped out. India, as a democracy, must raise this issue and pressure the Bangladeshi government to ensure the protection of its minorities,” Tripathi urged.

As the discussion concluded, Tripathi reiterated the need for a broader, more persistent dialogue on this issue. He called on the global community to address the deep-seated societal problems that have allowed such persecution to continue for decades. “It’s not about blaming one individual; it’s about recognizing that this has been a consistent, ongoing problem for 75, 80 years. We need to ask hard questions of the societies in West and East Pakistan, and we must act to protect those who are still suffering.”

Amish Tripathi’s passionate plea for global intervention underscores the urgency of addressing what he and many others believe to be ongoing persecution, reminding the world that the fight for justice and equality is far from over.

Watch the full discussion on NewsX

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