Mumbai. A Mumbai-based non-governmental organization, Harmony Foundation, has strongly condemned the forced resignation of 49 Hindu teachers in Bangladesh. The incident follows the recent rise of Islamist fundamentalism in the country after the overthrow of a democratically elected government. This alarming development underscores the growing influence of radical groups, which threatens to undermine the rights and safety of minority communities in Bangladesh. Dr. Abraham Mathai, Founder Chairman of Harmony Foundation, expressed deep concern over the situation. He criticized the current Bangladeshi government for lifting the ban on the right-wing Jamaat-e-Islami and its student wing, Islami Chhatrashibir, organizations previously outlawed due to their involvement in terror activities. “Allowing these groups to operate freely jeopardizes the security and well-being of minority communities and undermines the democratic values upheld by the nation’s constitution,” Dr. Mathai stated, adding that the Bangladeshi government should reconsider its decision, warning that the nation is on a path toward chaos and instability. “To prevent anarchy from engulfing the country, the government must take immediate action before marginalized communities are driven to another uprising,” Dr. Mathai added.
As a former Vice Chairman of the Minorities Commission, Dr. Mathai also highlighted the role of internationally recognized figures like Nobel laureate Mohammed Yunus in this crisis. He expressed disappointment that Yunus, a respected figure, appears to be aligning with fundamentalist forces, which are pushing a radical agenda. Dr. Mathai contrasted the current situation with the bravery of Faraaz Ayaaz Hossain, a young Bangladeshi who sacrificed his life to save his Hindu friends during a terrorist attack in 2016. “Back then, secularism and democracy were strong enough to inspire individuals like Faraaz to stand against religious extremism,” he said. “Today, the country faces a dangerous shift towards radicalism, masked as a popular uprising.”
Dr. Mathai called on Mohammed Yunus to take a firm stand in defense of democracy and the rights of minority communities. “If Yunus fails to act, he risks sharing the fate of Aung San Suu Kyi of Myanmar, whose legacy was tarnished by her silence in the face of oppression,” Dr. Mathai warned.
