Mamata Banerjee Wants UN Force In Bangladesh, Says PM Modi Must Intervene

Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday called for the deployment of a United Nations peacekeeping force in Bangladesh and urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi's personal intervention to ensure the safety of religious minorities in the violence-stricken neighboring nation.

Her demands came amid reports of escalating civil unrest in Bangladesh, which has seen at least three Hindu priests from the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) arrested since August. This turmoil began when a student-led rebellion forced Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to step down, leading to military intervention and the establishment of an interim government.

"We have families... properties... and loved ones in Bangladesh. While we respect whatever stance the Government of India takes, we condemn religious-based atrocities and appeal to the Union Government and the Prime Minister to intervene," Mamata Banerjee said in the Bengal Assembly.

The Chief Minister expressed her solidarity with the ISKCON community, having personally contacted the chief of ISKCON's Kolkata unit to extend her support. She emphasized, "If Indians are attacked in Bangladesh, we cannot tolerate it. We must bring back our people. The Government of India can raise this issue with the United Nations and send a peacekeeping force."

While Mamata Banerjee clarified that she did not wish to interfere with Bangladesh’s internal matters, she highlighted India's past humanitarian efforts, such as rescuing Bangladeshi fishermen who accidentally entered Indian waters or capsized boats.

Following this, Prime Minister Modi met with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, who took up the issue with Bangladesh's interim government. Jaishankar expressed India’s deep concern about the rising violence against Hindus, including attacks on temples, and urged the protection of religious minorities. The Indian government has been monitoring the situation closely through its High Commission in Dhaka.

Jaishankar emphasized, “The primary responsibility for the protection of life and liberty of all Bangladeshis, including minorities, rests with the Government of Bangladesh.”

Meanwhile, protests erupted across Bangladesh in response to the arrests of the ISKCON priests. Protesters have been calling for stronger legal protections for minorities and the establishment of a ministry dedicated to their welfare.

Historically, Hindus made up about 22% of Bangladesh's population during the 1971 Liberation War. However, their numbers have significantly dwindled over the years, now comprising only around 8% of the total population.