Hindustan Times reported on August 25, 2024, that Assam’s Chief Minister, Himanta Biswa Sarma, stated that no Hindus from Bangladesh have attempted to infiltrate India following the downfall of Sheikh Hasina’s government. The Chief Minister emphasized the lack of any reported cases of Hindu individuals attempting to cross into India in the past month.
This statement comes amidst concerns for the safety of the Hindu community in Bangladesh, especially after several reported incidents of attacks on their homes and places of worship following the recent political upheaval in Bangladesh. The disturbances began after Sheikh Hasina’s government was overthrown on August 5, amidst a mass uprising led by students and citizens, leading to a tense situation for the Hindu community there.
In contrast, Himanta Biswa Sarma noted that several Muslim individuals from Bangladesh have been caught trying to cross the border into India, not with the intention to stay in Assam but to reach other states like Karnataka and Tamil Nadu for employment opportunities in the garment industry. According to him, in the last month alone, 35 Muslims were arrested during their attempt to enter India illegally, highlighting a different pattern of movement toward the southern states.
The Chief Minister also expressed that the Assam government has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to apply diplomatic pressure on Bangladesh to ensure the security and safety of its Hindu citizens. This move reflects a broader concern for the treatment of Hindu minorities in the region and emphasizes the need for heightened security measures to protect vulnerable communities.