“Dr. Mathai Reiterates his Stance on Revoking Muhammad Yunus’ Nobel Peace Prize”
Mumbai: Dr. Abraham Mathai, Founder-Chairman of the Harmony Foundation and former Vice-Chairman of the Minorities Commission, has voiced grave concern over the ongoing targeting and persecution of the Hindu minority in Bangladesh. This troubling development, marked by escalating violence, discrimination, and arrests, raises urgent questions about human rights violations and the erosion of religious freedoms in the region.
Speaking on the matter, Dr. Mathai condemned the recent arrest of ISKCON leader Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari by the Detective Branch of the Bangladesh Police on November 25. According to the reports, the spiritual leader, who has been charged with sedition for peacefully advocating for the rights and safety of minority Hindus, was detained at Dhaka Airport shortly after leading a massive rally demanding protection against targeted hate attacks by radical Islamist groups. Dr. Mathai described this incident as a broader pattern of the growing threats faced by the Hindu community, calling it “deeply troubling” and a “blatant disregard for human rights of the Hindus in Bangladesh.”
The situation for minorities in Bangladesh has worsened dramatically since the political shift in August that saw former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina ousted from power. Under the new regime, led by Muhammad Yunus, reports suggest a surge in radical Islamist influence. This has coincided with an increase in temple vandalizations, hate crimes, and systematic suppression of free speech. The plight of the Hindu minority has become more precarious than ever, with targeted oppression underscoring their vulnerability.
Drawing attention to the broader implications, Dr. Mathai has called for global intervention. He has urged the international community, including human rights organizations and the United Nations Human Rights Council, to hold the Bangladesh government accountable and that the world should not remain silent with respect to the atrocities against the Hindus in Bangladesh.
Dr. Mathai further stated, “Bangladesh must acknowledge the sacrifices India made during the 1971 Liberation War, which secured its freedom from Pakistan’s Military’s oppression. Indian soldiers, including over 50 from the Rajputana Rifles, shed their blood alongside the Mukti Jodhas for Bangladesh’s independence. Yet today, the Hindu community, which stood by Bangladesh during its birth and chose to stay, faces ruthless persecution. How can Bangladesh inflict such atrocities on its Hindu minorities, who stood by the nation during its liberation and trusted its promise of equality?”
Furthermore, Dr. Mathai has once again called for the Nobel Peace Prize awarded to Muhammad Yunus to be withdrawn. “He has failed to take a bold stand against the persecution of Hindu minorities, succumbing instead to the influence of radical Islamist elements. A true recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize must uphold its values and demonstrate leadership that doesn’t discriminate especially when their country faces such injustices,” Dr. Mathai remarked.
Dr. Mathai has also highlighted the urgency of releasing Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari and addressing the systemic violence against Hindus. “These incidents are not isolated but part of a broader pattern of intimidation and violence by radical Islamists that demands immediate and comprehensive action,” he noted.
Concluding his statement, Dr. Mathai reiterated that targeting individuals and communities based on their faith is a gross violation of fundamental human rights. Restoring peace, justice, and communal harmony in Bangladesh requires decisive action. The state must act to protect its most vulnerable citizens, for to turn a blind eye to their suffering is to undermine the very fabric of the nation.
