Delhi’s Shahi Masjid Imam Sends Strong Message to Dr. Yunus Regarding Hindu Persecution

Regarding the attacks, persecution, and oppression of the Hindu minority in Bangladesh, Imam Syed Ahmed Bukhari of Delhi’s Shahi Jama Masjid has now strongly protested the matter.

In a letter, he urged Dr. Yunus, the Chief Advisor of Bangladesh’s interim government, to take appropriate measures to stop the atrocities against the Hindu minority in Bangladesh.

The letter addressed to Dr. Yunus also references the Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina, and reminds him of the long-standing cordial relationship between India and Bangladesh.

In the letter, Imam Bukhari writes:

“Since the establishment of Bangladesh, our national leadership, media, civil society, and influential figures have maintained close ties with Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, his daughter Sheikh Hasina Wazed, and their party, the Awami League, in various diplomatic, regional, and international matters. Bangladesh has always stood by us as a close ally in the Muslim world.”

Imam Bukhari further states that after Sheikh Hasina took office, her party, the Awami League, began oppressing both Muslim and non-Muslim supporters.

Describing the political issues as internal matters of Bangladesh, the Imam writes: “These are Bangladesh’s internal issues. However, the ongoing injustice, attacks, and unilateral oppression against Hindu minorities are condemnable, and they must immediately be stopped. There is no justification for such actions.”

The Imam also reminds Dr. Yunus of the significant role India played in Bangladesh’s independence and development.

He writes: “The interim government must acknowledge the pivotal role India played in Bangladesh’s independence and development process, including our unparalleled history of support for millions of refugees and their maintenance. In every natural disaster, we have always been the first to stand by them.”

Imam Bukhari further reminds that the United Nations Universal Declaration on the Rights of Minorities ensures equal rights for minorities, and this is binding for all UN member states and the international community.

Delivering a stern message, he states: “As a trusted neighbor, a close friend of Bangladesh, and a guardian of shared cultural heritage, I hope that Dr. Yunus, the current leader of Bangladesh and Nobel laureate, will take immediate action to end any injustice against Hindu minorities. He must ensure that his international reputation remains untarnished.”

Reminding of religious teachings, the Imam asserts: “As a Muslim-majority country, Islam and Islamic jurisprudence inherently provide no room for any injustice, religious coercion, or unfair treatment of minorities in Bangladesh.”

Meanwhile, over the past few days, Bangladeshi authorities have detained more than 60 Hindu priests at the Benapole land border, preventing them from entering India due to safety concerns. This was reported by a spokesperson from the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) in Kolkata.