New Delhi: Over the reported persecution and attacks of the minority Hindus in Bangladesh, Shri Nischalanandaji Saraswati Maharaj, the Shankaracharya of Puri, issued a serious warning to the country’s administration.
He said that Bangladesh is showing shortsightedness. If Hindus are persecuted or driven out of there, what will happen “to them in other places where there are a small number of Muslims?" India quoted the Hindu spiritual leader.
He pointed out that Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Myanmar are historically part of India. Bangladesh shares the regional heritage of India, he reminded. According to him, the ancestors of many Muslims in Bengal were Hindus who converted under various circumstances, and therefore, Muslims must recognise that those whose ancestors were Hindus are their own kin.
Then, he praises the resilience of the Hindus in Bangladesh, even in the face of immense challenges. Towards Muslims, he called for respect and solidarity and urged Muslims to avoid antagonism toward Hindus. He said that there would be dire consequences if the hostilities there were to continue.
"The ancestors of Hindus, who steadfastly refused to compromise their faith even in the face of adversity, deserve our respect. Therefore, I urge Muslims to respect Hindus, stand by them, and avoid antagonising them, lest they suffer dire consequences," India Today quoted the sage.