"Hindu extremism"

Mr. Mujib claims that "not a single Bangladeshi Hindu" condemned the demolition of Babri Masjid. I would like to go on record, as former General Secretary of Dakkhin Chattogram Puja Udjapan Samity back in the early 1990s, that I sent on behalf of our organisation a press declaration (signed by over 100 local members, all Bangladeshi Hindus like myself) to the local and national newspapers protesting this heinous act in India, demanding the mosque be rebuilt and that Indian Muslims be protected by the Indian government after the riots that broke out. I can remember that there were many similar statements and petitions (e.g. from Kendriya Puja Udjapan Parishad, Hindu-Buddha-Christian Oikya Parishad etc). In front of Dhakeswari National Temple in Dhaka, led by the late Sukanta Saha, a human chain was formed demanding justice for minorities in India. Bangladeshi Hindu politicians including Mr Suranjit Sengupta of the Awami League and Mr Goyeshwar Chandra Roy of BNP had also strongly condemned the action. These are not secrets; the national newspapers all covered this. The prime minister, then also Begum Zia, went on television to say that not a single Bangladeshi Hindu was involved in the events in India, and appreciated that Bangladeshi Hindus had played a commendable role in condemning the events in India. Did Mr. Mujib not see any of this?

I do not have enough information about the BSF killings that Mr Mujib also brings up. But I can say that I personally know of at least one Hindu family who lost a son in border firing by the BSF. His name was Subrata Kundu, and he died in October 2003 after being shot on his way to his shop near the Akhaura border. Ten per cent Bangladeshis are Hindu; it is quite likely that around 10% of those killed by BSF are also Hindu. In fact the number may be higher, as in Khulna, Sylhet, Chittagong and Comilla border areas, the number of Hindus is often higher than the national average. Why is it necessary to communalise such a situation?

So, Mr. Mujib has presented gross misrepresentations that can lead to misunderstandings between the amicable Hindu and Muslim people of our country. Either he has not conducted any research, or he is intentionally trying to create divisions at a critical time in our country. Living in America, he may not be aware of how delicate a balance those of us actually living in Bangladesh are all trying to maintain in our day to day lives. Those who are sincere about building prosperity and progress for our motherland will not indulge in such intellectual crimes. Particularly during the sacred time of Ramadan and Durga Puja when the spirit of fraternity and joyousness is at its highest, this kind of misinformation must be protested.