WB: CPI(M) Urges Action to Ensure Safety of Minorities in Bangladesh
Samprikta Bose
WHEN religion is mixed with politics in a country's mainstream political atmosphere, it poses a serious challenge to democratic environment, freedom of the press, and the security of minorities and human rights in general. This is as relevant to Bangladesh today as it is true for our country and our state. People's struggle against fundamentalism and authoritarianism is inseparable from their struggle for livelihood. With this understanding, a series of protest programmes were held across the state on December 1, at the call of the CPI(M).
The Party organised rallies and marches across various districts of West Bengal, including North and South 24 Parganas, West Medinipur, Hooghly, Nadia and Kolkata. In Kolkata, the streets came alive with demonstrations in neighbourhoods like Beleghata, Jadavpur, New Alipore, Bhowanipur and many more. The spirit of protest also extended to Cooch Behar, where similar demonstrations were held on November 30. Demonstrations and marches were also held at Barasat, Ashokenagar, Habra, Kachrapara, Gangulyaghata, Texmaco-Deshpriyanagar, Taherpur, and Baranagar.
The demonstrators insisted that the Bangladesh government take immediate action to protect the rights and safety of its minority population. The Party also urged unity among people of all faiths to resist the growing influence of communal forces in India and also emphasized issues like corruption, unemployment, and price hikes, urging the government to take immediate corrective action.
In Kolkata, the All India Peace and Solidarity Organisation (AIPSO) observed International Palestine Solidarity Day on November 29. While focusing on global issues of human rights and justice, the organisation also condemned the violence against minorities in Bangladesh.
Concerned citizens rallied near the Bangladesh Deputy High Commission on November 30, protesting the surge in attacks on minority communities in Bangladesh and beyond. Through speeches, street plays and songs, they voiced their strong opposition to religious polarisation. Esteemed academic Pabitra Sarkar, with deep ancestral ties to the region and extensive experience working in Bangladesh, voiced grave concerns about the escalating insecurity faced by minority communities.
AGAINST MAJORITARIANISM
Earlier speaking to journalists in Medinipur on November 28, Md Salim, CPI(M) state secretary, voiced deep concern over the recent incidents in Bangladesh and stressed the urgent need for progressive individuals to unite against attacks on minorities, regardless of location. He emphasized the importance of a secular and non-sectarian approach to human rights, rejecting the notion that "your violence is bad, my violence is good." Salim firmly stated that attacks on any minority group, whether Muslims in India or Hindus in Bangladesh, must be unequivocally condemned. He warned that religion-based politics, whether in Delhi, Chittagong, Kandahar, or Islamabad, ultimately harms the most vulnerable members of society. As communists, Salim declared, the CPI(M)'s stance is clear: there is no place for religion in politics.
Responding to pointed questions about the situation in Bangladesh, Salim said, "Mixing religion with politics is harmful, be it in India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, or Afghanistan. Those who are blinded by religious fanaticism resort to violence. When the majority oppresses the minority, it is called majoritarianism. In Pakistan, attacks on Hindus and Sikhs are justified in the name of protecting Islam. The same is happening in Bangladesh now."
Salim launched a scathing attack on the Trinamool Congress, accusing them of double standards and hypocrisy. He questioned their sincerity in the INDIA bloc, highlighting their past cozy relationship with the BJP. "The TMC's opposition to the BJP raises serious questions," Salim declared. "They've often been silent spectators to the BJP's divisive tactics. It's clear their main concern is political gain, not the well-being of the people."
Salim also slammed the TMC government in West Bengal for its mismanagement of Wakf properties. "The TMC has systematically plundered Wakf properties for years," he alleged. "Their leaders and cronies have lined their pockets at the expense of the Muslim community."
Speaking at a meeting organised by the CPI(M) Hooghly district committee in Srirampur on November 29 to commemorate the demises of comrades Sitaram Yechury and Buddhadeb Bhattacharya, Salim said, "A country is not just a map; it is a nation united by a harmonious culture. Sitaram Yechury dedicated his life to uniting people to protect the country's secular constitution from those who want to divide people in the name of religion. Buddhadeb Bhattacharya had called for crushing the forces that incite riots and violence in the name of religion. To pay tribute to them, we must vow to confront those who try to create a majority-based fanaticism."
Salim drew a stark parallel between the erosion of secularism in Bangladesh and the dangers of majoritarianism in India. He warned, "If religious majoritarianism takes hold, secularism will crumble. We've seen this in Pakistan and Afghanistan, and now it's happening in Bangladesh." He emphasized the need to respect diverse beliefs and uphold equal rights for all, stating, "India is a vibrant tapestry of cultures, languages, and religions. We must protect the rights of everyone and prevent our nation from becoming another Afghanistan." Salim issued a powerful call to action, urging citizens to resist the ruling class's attempts to dismantle India's secular fabric and safeguard the principles enshrined in the Constitution.
Salim also called for strengthening the people's struggle to protect democratic rights in the state. He said, "There is no need to be bound by any rigid norms to organise struggles for people's rights. We must organise people's protests through all kinds of creative efforts. Immediately after receiving the news of the rape and brutal murder of a young female doctor at RG Kar Hospital during the funeral procession of Buddhadeb Bhattacharya, the Left-wing student and youth leaders had rushed to the hospital to prevent the perpetrators from desecrating the body. Similarly, after Sitaram Yechury's demise, we, despite our grief, staged a protest at Lalbazar demanding the removal of the Kolkata Police Commissioner for his non-performance in the Abhaya case. By building such mass struggles, we can pay our respects to our departed leaders."
DOCTORS' PROTEST
In another striking development, the Joint Platform of Doctors, West Bengal, has intensified their protest against the alleged corruption and mismanagement within the West Bengal Medical Council. The protest, which began as a sit-in demonstration on December 2nd afternoon, continued till December 3rd evening despite obstructions by the police.
The doctors have levelled serious accusations against the council, alleging the illegal appointment of the current registrar, the payment of unlawful allowances to three council members, and the rigging of the 2022 council elections. Furthermore, the council president is facing numerous corruption charges.
A major point of contention for the protesting doctors is the baffling reinstatement of Abhik Dey. Dey, a West Bengal Medical Council member, was previously expelled due to allegations of his involvement in a crime. Multiple medical colleges had reported him for corruption and fostering a hostile environment. Despite an inquiry committee submitting these complaints to the health department two months ago, no action has been taken. Shockingly, Dey, who was debarred from the council, was seen attending a meeting on December 4th. The meeting, scheduled for 1 PM, was abruptly concluded at 12 PM with Dey in attendance. This, according to JPD, raises serious questions about how an individual facing such serious allegations can continue to participate in council activities. The doctors are demanding answers and accountability.
The doctors strongly believe that the council has become a breeding ground for corruption hindering its ability to serve the public's needs effectively. They have vowed to continue their protests until their demands are met. These demands include a thorough investigation into the alleged irregularities within the council and the formation of a new, transparent, and accountable medical council.
Leading the charge, senior physician Dr Utpal Banerjee declared, "This incident is a stark reminder of the prevailing 'threat culture' that we've repeatedly exposed. We fear this may be a veiled threat to silence our protests, but we refuse to back down. We're fighting for justice for Abhaya-Tilottama, against corruption, and against this culture of intimidation. Our struggle continues!"
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