India Critiques UN Report on Bangladesh’s Violence Against Minorities

India contends that a UN report on Bangladesh has “mainstreamed” the idea of revenge violence against minorities. Notably, the UN Human Rights Chief indicated the report’s potential for promoting accountability amid political instability in Bangladesh. The discussions between Indian and UK officials revealed concerns about the ongoing violence and the need for a stable democratic future in Bangladesh.

On March 5, India criticized a UN report during a session at the Human Rights Council, asserting that it had normalized the concept of “revenge violence against minorities” in Bangladesh. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar’s discussions with UK counterpart David Lammy in Kent also included the situation in Bangladesh as tensions rise following the political crisis there.

UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk referenced the fact-finding report detailing violence against minorities amid student protests and political unrest in Bangladesh. He emphasized the need for the report to foster accountability and reconciliation, expressing his office’s support for the interim government’s human rights-based efforts.

The report, led by Türk, implicated former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and other political leaders in serious human rights violations during last year’s protests. While India had previously withheld comment on the report, its representative, Anupama Singh, condemned the narrative of revenge violence, arguing that it unjustly legitimizes violence against minorities.

Singh highlighted the dangers of labeling violence as a response to minority actions, calling it a deeply flawed concept. She advocated for a more profound societal change for reconciliation, warning against superficial approaches that fail to address underlying issues. India’s historical context, where leaders have similarly justified communal violence, adds complexity to the ongoing dialogue.

The UN report attributed the rise in violence against minorities to a political vacuum after Hasina’s removal, noting that motivations were varied and complex. These included religious, ethnic, and political biases alongside interpersonal conflicts. Despite challenges in verifying reports from advocacy groups, the report acknowledged a consistent pattern of violence targeting religious and ethnic communities.

Following his meeting with Lammy, Jaishankar noted that India-UK relations play a vital role in promoting stability amidst global uncertainty. The UK Foreign Minister had previously called for an independent investigation into the unrest in Bangladesh, echoing concerns about future democratic processes in the country after Hasina’s ouster and subsequent flight to India amid rising protests.

In summary, India’s response to the UN report on violence in Bangladesh underscores the complexity of regional political dynamics. While highlighting the allegations of revenge violence, India calls for careful consideration of societal contexts and emphasizes the need for genuine reconciliation. The ongoing discussions between Indian and UK officials reflect broader concerns regarding stability and political accountability in the region following the recent turmoil.

Original Source: m.thewire.in