Over 650 eminent personalities, including former judges, bureaucrats, and ambassadors, have issued an open letter to the people of Bangladesh, calling for a continued commitment to peace and friendship that has characterised India-Bangladesh relations for over five decades.
The letter, which includes signatories such as former Chief Election Commissioner S Y Quraishi, advocates for an end to attacks on minorities and coercion to force them from their homes and businesses.
It also highlights the deepening concerns in India about the deteriorating situation in Bangladesh.
The letter stresses that a strong and trustful bilateral relationship between India and Bangladesh is essential for the long-term benefit of both nations. It urges the people of Bangladesh to resist malicious anti-India campaigns that undermine the cooperation that has been steadily built over the years.
"People of India view with increasing alarm and concern the deteriorating situation in Bangladesh. An atmosphere of anarchy prevails in Bangladesh, with mobocracy the preferred method of decision-making," the letter states.
It further notes the widespread unrest and the pressure on institutions, including the judiciary, academia, and media houses.
The signatories expressed particular concern for the safety of the 15 million-strong minority communities in Bangladesh, including Hindus, Buddhists, Christians, and other groups such as Shias and Ahmadiyyas, who have borne the brunt of the chaotic situation.
"The worst brunt of the chaotic situation prevailing in Bangladesh is being borne by the 15 million strong minority communities of Bangladesh," the letter reads.
"Apart from the purely humanitarian aspects, there is the danger that the volatile situation in Bangladesh could spill across borders, disrupt communal harmony and create serious law and order problems in India," it further states.
Among the 685 signatories are 19 retired judges, 34 former ambassadors, 300 academicians, 139 former bureaucrats, including former chief election commissioners, UPSC chairmen, and directors general of police, as well as 192 retired armed forces officers and 35 civil society members.
The letter emphasises the importance of restoring democracy and secularism in Bangladesh, with a particular focus on protecting the rights of religious minorities.
It calls for free, fair, and inclusive elections as a means to resolve the crisis and urges an immediate halt to attacks on minorities and coercive actions against them.
The letter concludes with a call to both nations to continue the path of peace and cooperation: "We hope that this will help the people of both Bangladesh and India to continue together along the path of peace, friendship, and understanding that has sustained us for well over 50 years, since the creation of Bangladesh."
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