Hindus are being killed every day in Bangladesh! Why is it important for Jaishankar to attend Khaleda Zia’s funeral on Wednesday?

First woman Prime Minister of Bangladesh and BNP Chief Begum Khaleda Zia After the demise, a big diplomatic step has come from India’s side. Foreign Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar will go to Dhaka to attend his state funeral and express condolences on behalf of India. This visit is taking place at a time when India-Bangladesh relations are already going through a tense phase.

80-year-old Khaleda Zia died during treatment at Apollo Hospital in Dhaka on Tuesday morning. The official statement issued by BNP said, ‘BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia is no more.’ His death is being seen as the end of an era in Bangladesh politics.

The most influential personality of Bangladesh politics

Khaleda Zia, wife of former President Ziaur Rahman, became the first woman Prime Minister of Bangladesh in 1991. After this, he ruled the country from 1991-96 and 2001-06. His political career is known for his bitter rivalry with Sheikh Hasina, in which the power struggle lasted for decades.

PM Modi expressed grief

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed grief over the demise of Khaleda Zia. He wrote on Our heartfelt condolences to his family and the people of Bangladesh. May God give his family the strength to bear this immense grief.

Tension increased due to killings of Hindus in Bangladesh

Amidst the death of Khaleda Zia, the attacks on minority Hindus in Bangladesh have further increased the concern. Bajendra Biswas (42), a Hindu security guard, was shot dead in Mymensingh district. Accused Noman Mian was an Ansar member posted in the same factory.

How did the murder happen?

According to the police, both were present in the Ansar barrack located in the factory premises. During the conversation, the accused jokingly pointed the government shotgun, then a bullet was fired which hit Bajendra Biswas in the thigh. He was taken to the hospital, where doctors declared him dead.

Two murders have already taken place

Before this incident, on December 18, Dipu Chandra Das was beaten to death by a mob and later the body was burnt. A few days later, news of the murder of another Hindu person came. Three consecutive incidents have raised serious questions on the safety of minorities in Bangladesh.

Protests across the country

After the killings of Hindus, protests took place in many cities including Dhaka and Chittagong. Minority organizations and civil groups have demanded justice, security and strict action against the culprits. Although the Bangladesh government is describing these incidents as “separate criminal cases”, India and human rights organizations have expressed concern.