Mamata Banerjee Calls for UN Peacekeeping Force in Bangladesh, Urges PM Modi to Intervene

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has called for the deployment of a United Nations peacekeeping force in Bangladesh, urging Prime Minister Narendra Modi's direct intervention to ensure the safety of religious minorities in the violence-affected neighboring country.

Banerjee's comments come amid rising concerns over the safety of Hindu minorities in Bangladesh, particularly after reports surfaced that at least three Hindu priests from the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) were arrested during ongoing civil unrest. The unrest began in August, following a student-led rebellion that forced Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to step down and led to a military takeover, after which an interim government was established.

The West Bengal Chief Minister emphasized that the violence against religious minorities, especially Hindus, could not be tolerated. She highlighted the strong personal connections many Indian families have in Bangladesh, adding, “We have families, properties, and loved ones in Bangladesh. We accept whatever stance the Government of India takes, but we condemn atrocities on religious grounds anywhere in the world."

Banerjee also mentioned that she had spoken to the chief of ISKCON Kolkata to express her sympathies and support. "If Indians are attacked in Bangladesh, we cannot tolerate it," she said, proposing that the Indian government take the matter to the United Nations, urging the deployment of peacekeepers to protect the vulnerable minorities.

She clarified that her intention was not to interfere in the internal affairs of Bangladesh, but pointed out that when Bangladeshi fishermen accidentally crossed into Indian waters or when a Bangladeshi trawler capsized, her government had taken swift action to rescue them and provide assistance.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had earlier met with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar to discuss the escalating situation. Jaishankar subsequently addressed Parliament, stressing that the Indian government was deeply concerned about the rise in extremist rhetoric and violence against Hindus in Bangladesh. He also reiterated that the primary responsibility for the protection of citizens, including minorities, rested with the Bangladeshi government.

Despite the growing tensions, the interim government in Bangladesh, led by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Mohammad Yunus, reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the rights of all citizens, regardless of their religious background. They stated that every Bangladeshi, regardless of their religion, had the right to freely practice their religion and express their views without hindrance.

However, the situation remains critical. Recently, two ISKCON priests were arrested, adding to the tensions. The arrests have sparked widespread protests in Bangladesh, especially in Dhaka and Chattogram, with demonstrators demanding stronger legal protections for religious minorities and the establishment of a ministry for minority affairs.

The Hindu population in Bangladesh, which historically made up around 22% of the population during the 1971 Liberation War, has seen a significant decline in recent decades. Today, Hindus comprise only about 8% of the total population, a shift that has raised alarm among human rights groups and religious communities both within Bangladesh and abroad.

As the situation continues to evolve, Mamata Banerjee’s call for international intervention and PM Modi’s diplomatic efforts to ensure the safety of minorities in Bangladesh remain key points of concern for the Indian government.