Mamata Banerjee calls for UN peacekeeping force in Bangladesh, urges PM Modi’s intervention

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday called for the intervention of the United Nations to address the ongoing unrest in Bangladesh, particularly the violence targeting religious minorities. She urged the Indian government to raise the issue at the United Nations to facilitate the deployment of peacekeeping forces in Bangladesh. Banerjee made these remarks while addressing the West Bengal Assembly, where she expressed concern about the deteriorating situation in the neighboring country.

The unrest in Bangladesh began in August 2024, when a student-led movement forced Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to resign. This led to the intervention of the military and the establishment of an interim government. Since then, the country has experienced widespread civil unrest, with increasing incidents of violence against religious minorities, particularly Hindus. Several reports have highlighted the arrest of at least three Hindu priests associated with the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), further exacerbating tensions. The violence has been linked to both political and religious issues, raising concerns over the safety of minority communities in the country.

Banerjee emphasized that many residents of West Bengal have familial, property, and business ties in Bangladesh. She stated that India must take action to ensure the safety of its citizens in Bangladesh, particularly those belonging to the Hindu community. She further suggested that the Indian government could consider repatriating its citizens from Bangladesh if the situation worsened. Banerjee also mentioned that she had spoken to the head of ISKCON’s Kolkata unit to extend her sympathies and offer support to those affected by the violence.

In her speech, Banerjee highlighted India’s history of offering assistance in similar situations, such as when the Indian government had helped Bangladeshi fishermen who mistakenly crossed into Indian waters. She reiterated that the Indian government should act quickly to address the security concerns of its citizens in Bangladesh. The Chief Minister also stressed that while she did not intend to interfere with the internal affairs of Bangladesh, the ongoing violence against religious minorities warranted international attention and intervention.

Banerjee’s call for peacekeeping forces is a response to the continued violence and the perceived failure of the Bangladeshi authorities to protect religious minorities. She urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to personally intervene in the matter and push for international assistance to address the crisis. Banerjee concluded by reaffirming her appeal for the Indian government to raise the issue with the United Nations, urging for the protection of minority communities in Bangladesh.