Bangladesh Hindus under attack: BMJP joins elections, warns India

Dhaka (The Uttam Hindu): The recent incidents of Hindu youths Dipu Chandra Das and Amrit Mandal being lynched by a mob in Bangladesh have shocked the minority community there. Amidst the ever-increasing communal violence and insecurity in the country, a major political change is now being witnessed. Claiming to be the voice of Hindus and minorities before the general elections to be held in February, the 'Bangladesh Minority Janata Party' (BMJP) is going to enter the electoral fray. This party was registered in April this year and is now gearing up for the political representation of Hindus.

Preparations to contest elections on 91 seats, focus on Hindu majority areas

According to media reports, the BMJP plans to field candidates in 91 of the 300 seats in the National Parliament (Jatiya Sangsad). Party president Sukriti Kumar Mandal expects to win 40 to 45 seats. The party's electoral strategy is focused entirely on the Hindu vote bank. Mandal stated that they have selected constituencies where the minority population, particularly Hindu voters, ranges from 20 percent to 60 percent. With the nomination deadline approaching, the party is finalizing its list of candidates in the next day or two.

Also ready for alliance with BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami

Party president Sukriti Mandal made a significant and surprising statement, stating that they were willing to form an alliance with any mainstream party, whether Tarique Rahman's BNP or the radical Jamaat-e-Islami, to ensure the safety of Hindus. He argued that an alliance with these parties would allow minorities to leave their homes and vote without fear of reprisal. He clarified that the Awami League was no longer on his priority list, as he believed the BMJP was the only true voice for persecuted Hindus.

Advice to India: Support Hindus, not the Awami League

Sukriti Mandal has also reacted sharply to India's stance. She said that India should now change its policy towards Dhaka. She advised that India should directly support Hindu issues instead of blindly supporting former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and the Awami League. Mandal alleges that the Awami League used India to remain in power. She believes that if India sheds its pro-Awami League image, mainstream parties in Bangladesh will also begin to take minority issues seriously.

Enemy Property Act and secularism main agenda

The BMJP has set a five-point agenda in its manifesto, which includes secularism in the country, implementing a federal system, and incorporating scientific thinking in textbooks. Mandal said that the 'Enemy Property Act', enacted during Pakistan's rule, still remains a weapon to target Hindus and snatch their lands. He said that millions of acres of land have been occupied, and forced conversions and arson have become common. Mandal stressed that around 25 million Hindus live in Bangladesh and they will not leave the country, but will join mainstream politics and fight for their rights.