Raima Sen: History Repeating Itself For Bengali Hindus In Bangladesh

NEW DELHI, (IANS) – As protests have engulfed Bangladesh and the minority communities, mainly Hindus, facing brutal attacks, actress Raima Sen said that this is not new for “Bengali Hindus” in the neighboring countries.

It was reported that houses, workplaces of Hindus, and temples were attacked, and their valuables were robbed in several districts.

The Jammat-e-Islami, the largest Islamist political party in Bangladesh, admitted to targeting Hindus and their places of worship in Bangladesh.

Raima said, “Unfortunately, this is not new for Bengali Hindus in our neighboring country. I have been watching on TV and social media, that temples are burned, women are begging for protection, and doors are shut.”

The actress said, “As a child, I heard similar stories from the elders of my friends and family who survived during the India partition and Bangladesh’s liberation. They said the same thing—they couldn’t go to schools, they couldn’t get into the streets, all doors were shut…”

The 44-year-old actress said, “When I watch those visuals on TV and social media, it feels like that history is repeating all over again. After Partition, Bengalis suffered in East Pakistan, and later when Bangladesh formed, Bengali Hindus became the soft targets every time there was a national election or some kind of power struggle in the country.”

She hopes for the safety of people during these tough times.

“The Hindu population, which was around 30% at the time of partition, has dropped to 8% in Bangladesh. I really wish they get safety and protection during these times.”