by Ajay Kumar
Until just two days ago, the world was preaching unity against terrorism. Speeches were being delivered on major platforms, invoking humanity and civilisation. Yet today, the same world remains silent as Hindus bleed in Bangladesh. The very powers that claim to be the greatest protectors of human rights are now sitting in silence as if nothing has happened. What has transpired in Bangladesh in recent days is not merely internal unrest in a neighbouring country; it is a reflection of the selective mindset and ideological hypocrisy that the entire world needs to see.
The situation in Bangladesh began to deteriorate when the radical leader Sharif Usman Hadi died, triggering violent mobs on the streets. What started as protests quickly turned into violence. In Dhaka and other cities, arson, vandalism, and chaos spread. Media institutions were targeted, government property was set on fire, and anti-India slogans were openly raised. None of this happened suddenly it was the explosion of a long-nurtured extremist mindset.
The most horrifying scene of this frenzy came from the district of Mymensingh, where a Hindu youth, Dipu Chandra Das, was surrounded by a mob. He was brutally beaten and then murdered. But the atrocity did not end there. His body was hung from a tree and then brought to the middle of the road and set on fire. This incident was not just the killing of an individual; it was a clear message that the extremist mob considered itself above law, constitution, and humanity. After such brutality, it was natural to ask how the world would react. Yet, the same old story repeated itself. No significant reaction came from Western countries or international organisations. No strong statements, no strict warnings. It was as if the murder of a Hindu held no significance. In contrast, when newspaper offices in Dhaka were attacked, statements expressing concern for press freedom were quickly issued. This difference clearly shows whose rights are valued and whose are not.
The offices of major newspapers like Prothom Alo and The Daily Star in Dhaka were attacked, vandalised, and set on fire. Western media organisations expressed concern over these incidents. While such concern is valid, the question arises: why did their voices fall silent when, just a few kilometres away, a Hindu was burnt alive? Are buildings more valuable than human life? The interim government of Bangladesh did condemn the murder and assured action against the perpetrators, with some arrests made. But the reality on the ground is one of fear. The Hindu community feels unsafe. This is not the first incident; attacks on Hindus, destruction of temples, and forced migration have been reported in Bangladesh before. The only difference this time is the extreme cruelty of the violence.
Amid this turmoil, another development sparked outrage in India. The Bangladesh Cricket Board paid tribute to Sharif Usman Hadi the same Hadi associated with anti-India politics and linked to the controversial Greater Bangladesh map that shows India’s northeastern states as part of Bangladesh. The question arises: when institutions in Bangladesh openly honour anti-India sentiment, should India continue to maintain ties with blind eyes? This question has now reached Indian cricket and the IPL. The debate intensified when the Kolkata Knight Riders bought Bangladeshi player Mustafizur Rahman for millions of rupees. Those invoking the spirit of sports argue that sports should remain separate from politics. But when sporting institutions themselves start sending political messages, that argument weakens. In the past, controversies arose over Mustafizur liking posts critical of India. In such a context, the question naturally arises: should India reward and honour those who spread venom against it?
This debate is dominating social media today. People are asking: when anti-India slogans are raised on Bangladesh’s streets, Hindus are being killed, and anti-India sentiment is glorified, why are the BCCI and IPL silent? Will India’s priority remain limited to speeches, or will it also be reflected in actions? This issue is not just about cricket or a player; it concerns national pride and security. India took a clear stand in the case of Pakistan, cutting off sporting ties and sending a strong message. Now, when a similar mindset is emerging in Bangladesh, should India adopt a different standard? What is happening on the streets of Bangladesh is a warning for the entire region. Extremism is not confined to a single religion or country; it crushes humanity wherever it arises. Today, Hindus are the target; tomorrow, it could be someone else. That is why a clear and unbiased fight against this ideological terror is essential.
The world must understand that Islamic extremism is not just a threat to Jews or Western countries. It is equally dangerous for Hindus and Asian nations. The murder of one Hindu is as much an attack on humanity as that of anyone else. Until this truth is acknowledged, talks of human rights will remain hollow. India now faces a moment to act not emotionally, but with firm policy. Friendships can only be maintained with those who value friendship. Those who think against India and fuel anti-India frenzy must receive a clear message: India will no longer remain silent. This is what the times demand, and it is in India’s best interest.
Author is a journalist. He can be mailed at ajaimayanews@gmail.com
