“Let UN Also Intervene…”: Mamata Banerjee Calls for Immediate Central Action Over Atrocities Against Hindus in Bangladesh, Demands Safe Return of Indians

Kolkata: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday urged the Central Government to take immediate action regarding the deteriorating situation in neighboring Bangladesh, especially concerning the safety of minority Hindus. In a special submission on the floor of the Bengal Assembly, Banerjee condemned the alleged atrocities against Hindus in Bangladesh and called for an intervention by international peacekeeping forces including the United Nation Peace Keeping Mission, to restore peace in the region.

Speaking in the Assembly, Banerjee stressed the urgency of the matter, highlighting the plight of Indian citizens, particularly those with relatives in Bangladesh. “Many Indian passport holders reside in Bangladesh. We are deeply concerned for their safety. While the state government is unable to intervene directly, the Central Government can play a crucial role in ensuring their protection and facilitating their safe return to India. We will support the Centre,” she said. Banerjee further criticized the Modi government for its lack of clarity on the issue, asking, “Why is the External Affairs Minister silent?”

Banerjee also raised concerns about the fate of 79 fishermen from Bengal who have reportedly been detained by the Bangladeshi authorities. She urged the Centre to ensure their safe return, stating, “The state government has already arranged for lawyers to assist the fishermen, but it is the responsibility of the Centre to secure their release.”

Emphasizing the importance of international law and humanitarian assistance, the Chief Minister assured that the state would provide all necessary support to distressed Indians upon their return. “There will be no shortage of food or assistance for our own people. If necessary, we will share food from our own plates,” she said, underscoring the state’s readiness to help in the crisis.

The situation in Bangladesh has escalated following the arrest of Hindu monk Chinmay Krishna Das on charges of sedition, sparking protests over alleged attacks on the country’s Hindu minority. The unrest intensified after the arrest of another Hindu priest, Shyam Das Prabhu, who was detained last Friday after visiting Das in jail. These developments have led to widespread demonstrations in different parts of India and protests also in Kolkata, some also led by the BJP. The chief minister wondered what can such protests by “BJP yield while they themselves are there at the Centre” and in position to intervene.


The Chief Minister's remarks in the Assembly were formally recorded and will be forwarded to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for further consideration, as confirmed by Assembly Speaker Biman Banerjee.​