Anti-Apartheid Legacy: Centre of Memory & Learning’s Post

Reports of Hindu girls being abducted and forcefully converted to Islam in Bangladesh in 2024 reflect deep-seated issues of religious and gender-based oppression. Activists have highlighted a series of incidents where young Hindu girls have been kidnapped, coerced into marriage, and pressured to convert under duress. These actions often exploit systemic weaknesses in the legal and social framework, leaving victims with limited recourse. In 2024, several cases emerged involving abductions of Hindu minors. Many of these incidents occur in rural areas where law enforcement is either complicit or unwilling to act. Victims’ families frequently face intimidation, and attempts to seek justice are obstructed by societal biases and slow judicial processes. Despite constitutional protections for religious freedom, these incidents demonstrate a failure to uphold minority rights. The motives behind these forced conversions appear multifaceted: 1. Religious Supremacy: Such acts are often carried out by extremist groups aiming to establish dominance over minority communities. 2. Socioeconomic Factors: Poor and vulnerable families are targeted, exploiting their lack of resources to fight back. 3. Political Climate: Under the current government, critics argue that a hostile environment for minorities has been exacerbated, allowing such acts to occur unchecked. The role of international bodies like the United Nations has been questioned. Critics argue that while the UN frequently advocates for Muslim communities facing persecution worldwide, it has been largely silent on the plight of Hindus in Bangladesh. This perceived selective activism has led to accusations of bias, undermining trust in these organizations. To address this issue, there must be: Stronger Enforcement: The Bangladeshi government must implement and enforce laws protecting minorities. Global Advocacy: International bodies should apply pressure on Bangladesh to safeguard human rights universally. Grassroots Support: Civil society organizations should mobilize support for victims and push for accountability. #innovation #management #digitalmarketing #technology #creativity #marketing #futurism #motivation #socialentrepreneurship #business #inspiration #India #Bangladesh #Hindu #Justice #Conversion #Terror

People can give power and take it, too. The people of Bangladesh have won, and the student union has won. But let’s look at the attacks on minorities. Even in the past, in 1992, following the demolition of the Babri mosque in Ayodhya, minorities in Bangladesh became targets of violence. Religious attacks on Hindus have persisted in #Bangladesh over the decades. According to the Bangladeshi human rights group Ain o Salish Kendra, there were at least 3,679 attacks on the #Hindu community between January 2013 and September 2021. These attacks included vandalism, arson, and targeted violence. In 2021, the situation escalated following mob attacks on Hindu minority households and temples during and after Durga Puja, Bangladesh’s largest #Hindu festival. Amnesty International highlighted: "Such repeate andd attacks against individuals, communal violence, and destruction of the homes and places of worship of minorities in Bangladesh over the years show that the state has failed in its duty to protect minorities." #BangladeshHindus #BangladeshIndia #BangladeshBleeding

Independence Beyond the Flag: A Call for Real Freedom As we celebrate another Independence Day, it's essential to reflect on what it truly means to be free. In Pakistan, we often find ourselves draped in green and white, raising flags, and singing patriotic songs. But are we really free? Freedom is more than a flag or a dress code. It's the right to speak openly, move freely, choose our paths, work without fear, and live with dignity. Unfortunately, these fundamental rights seem out of reach for many of us. In a country where people in power celebrate without making tangible improvements, where basic rights like justice, privacy, and social security are often neglected, can we truly call ourselves independent? If we want to see a better Pakistan, we need to start with ourselves. Whether you're in a hospital, a university, a firm, or holding a position of power, it's time to do more than just celebrate. Let's work towards real change, where every citizen enjoys the freedoms promised at the birth of our nation. Pakistan shouldn't be a place where parents wait for their children to return from abroad because they feel safer and more fulfilled elsewhere. It should be a country where we can all thrive, where we don't just celebrate a medal after 32 years but create a society where such achievements are common. So, this Independence Day, I urge you to think beyond the festivities. Let's strive to make Pakistan a place where freedom isn't just a word but a reality for all. Azaadi Mubarak to everyone, but remember: freedom means different things to different people. Let's make it meaningful for everyone. #IndependenceDay #FreedomForAll #RealChange #Pakistan #Equality #HumanRights #Accountability #PatriotismInAction #AzaadiMubarak #ChangeMakers #Leadership #AIForGood #SocialJustice #Empowerment #VoiceForChange #NationalUnity #TogetherWeRise #Democracy #PeaceAndProgress #PakistanZindabad #SustainableDevelopment #HumanDignity #InclusiveGrowth #PakistanIndependence #StrengthInUnity

Ongoing Situation of Hindus in Bangladesh: A Pressing Concern The Hindu community in Bangladesh, a minority in the predominantly Muslim nation, continues to face significant challenges, including social discrimination, violence, and political exploitation. The roots of these issues can be traced back to the 1971 Liberation War, during which Hindus were specifically targeted. Although Bangladesh was founded on secular principles, the erosion of these values has left the Hindu population vulnerable. Recent years have seen a rise in attacks on Hindu temples, homes, and businesses, especially during religious festivals like Durga Puja. Reports of forced conversions, abductions, and land grabbing have further compounded the insecurity felt by the community. Despite promises from Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's government to protect minority rights, the response has been inconsistent, with many incidents remaining unresolved. The situation has drawn international attention, with calls for stronger measures to protect minorities and ensure justice for victims. The future of Hindus in Bangladesh hinges on a robust approach that includes legal reforms, social initiatives, and consistent enforcement of laws protecting minority rights. While challenges remain, there is hope that continued advocacy will help secure a safer and more inclusive environment for the Hindu community. #bangleshcrises #alleyesonbangladeshihindu #cruelty #justice #saveminorities

REGISTER FOR Sunday August 11, 2024 10am Pacific/1pm Eastern https://lnkd.in/gfuz_9aR The situation in Bangladesh is dire and urgent. You can help Hindus in Bangladesh. Join Hindu American Foundation (HAF) special Dharma Advocates training THIS SUNDAY to discuss what we can do for them from our homes in America. Our Advocacy for Bangladesh’s Hindus will teach you how to advocate for the safety and security of Bangladeshi Hindus, focusing specifically on advocacy within local governments. In this webinar, you will receive a primer about the violence directed at Hindus and other religious minorities in Bangladesh and you will learn how: - State and local governments can impact national and global policy priorities. - State and local advocacy strategies differ from advocacy on Capitol Hill. - You can use HAF’s advocacy tools, education materials, and outreach strategies to raise public awareness about the urgent situation unfolding in Bangladesh. This is your chance to hear directly from HAF's advocacy experts and public policy influencers who advance the interests of the Hindu American community on Capitol Hill, in state legislatures and local governments across the United States. HAF's Dharma Advocates Training is for U.S. residents only. #StandWithBangladeshHindus #EndTheViolence #HumanRights #genocide #pogrom #HinduHumanRights #Hinduism #India #Bangladesh #SouthAsia

Appeal for Protecting Minority Rights in Bangladesh As a member of the Hindu community in Bangladesh, I am deeply troubled by the recent escalation of targeted violence and discrimination against us. Our community, which has contributed immensely to the rich cultural and social fabric of this nation, is now living in fear. Incidents of violence against Hindus in Bangladesh have been increasing at an alarming rate. Reports of attacks on temples, homes, and individuals are becoming distressingly frequent. According to data from the Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council, over 100 attacks on Hindu properties and places of worship were reported in 2023 alone. This pattern of violence not only threatens our physical safety but also undermines our fundamental rights and freedoms. The international community must take notice and act. We need your voices to amplify our request for justice and security. Silence is not an option when innocent lives are at risk. I urge global human rights organizations, policymakers, and concerned citizens worldwide to: - Publicly denounce the attacks and stand in solidarity with the Hindu community in Bangladesh. - Advocate for stronger protections for minorities and demand accountability for perpetrators. - Provide resources and assistance to organizations working to protect and support affected communities. Let us come together to ensure that Bangladesh remains a land of peace, diversity, and tolerance. Your support can make a significant difference in our fight for safety and equality. #StandWithHindus #HumanRights #StopViolence #Bangladesh

Should be a great session on social movements in South Asia. Register at the link in the description.

Latest News Hindu community leaders in Bangladesh are advocating for the formation of a dedicated political party, reflecting an urgent call for political representation to protect their rights and ensure their safety in an environment marked by instability and fear. Hindu leaders from the Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council (BHBCOP) and other groups have been at the forefront of discussions about establishing a separate political party or demanding reserved parliamentary seats. There are currently three opinions that are being discussed in detail: first, going back to the separate electorate system from 1954; second, establishing a separate political party for Hindus; and third, reserving seats in Parliament for minorities, BHBCOP presidium member Kajal Debnath told PTI. In the wake of unprecedented violence and political upheaval in Bangladesh, the Hindu community -- the largest minority community in Bangladesh -- stands at a pivotal crossroads. The turmoil began after the ...

We don't need west to tell us about democracy and minority rights. All of India's neighboring countries face unstable political situations, and democracy is not even in the picture, except for China—and we all know why. Minorities are being attacked in these neighboring countries, yet the UN doesn't seem to care, simply because these countries aren't India. Whenever there's a small incident in India, the whole world stands against us. But what about these other countries? People claim that minorities are not protected in India, but consider this: the former Prime Minister of Bangladesh sought shelter in India. Why didn’t she choose one of the other 57 nations? Or why didn’t those nations offer help? Agree or not, India is the safest place, which is why leaders like the Dalai Lama and Sheikh Hasina seek refuge here. We really don't need other countries to lecture us about democracy and minority rights. #governmentofindia #india #democracy #bangladesh

Over the past decade, incidents of lynchings targeting Muslims in India have seen a significant increase, accompanied by a normalization of hate speeches. In 2023, the country witnessed 668 hate speeches directed at Muslims, according to the India Hate Lab, a Washington DC-based group. Their report titled ‘Hate Speech Events in India’ revealed a rise from 255 events in the first half of the year to 413 in the latter half, marking a 62% increase. Recognizing the disparities in NGO assistance towards Muslims and their hesitance to aid those oppressed by the state,Aasif Mujtaba a 35-year-old researcher at IIT Delhi, took initiative and established his own organization, Miles2Smile Foundation . His goal is to rehabilitate and support Muslims affected by violence. Report for Twocircles.net https://lnkd.in/gX_-iqaa