The RSS expressed deep concern on Friday over the recent disturbances in Bangladesh and termed violence against minorities as "intolerable."
In a statement, RSS General Secretary Dattatreya Hosabale said, "The Rashtra Swayamsevak Sangh expresses serious concern over the incidents of violence against Hindus, Buddhists, and other minority communities in Bangladesh during the movement for regime change in the last few days.".
Hosabale condemned the acts of brutality that included targeted killings, looting, arson, and attacks on Hindu temples. He also stressed that such actions against women and other minorities were unacceptable: "Cruelty like targeted killings, looting, arson and heinous crimes against women belonging to Hindu and other religious minorities and attacks on Hindu Mandirs in Bangladesh are intolerable. RSS strongly condemns this.".
He called upon the interim Government of Bangladesh to take "strict action to immediately stop such incidents" and to protect the lives, property, and dignity of the victims. The RSS General Secretary further called upon the international community and Indian political parties to stand up for the persecution of communities: "We request the world community and all political parties in Bharat to stand in solidarity with the persecuted communities like Hindu, Buddhist, etc., in this critical time."
Hosabale also mentioned that the Government of Bharat is trying at its level to extend help as a friendly neighbor: "As a friendly neighbour, the Government of Bharat is trying to play an able role in this situation in Bangladesh.".
He further called upon the Indian Government to leave no stone unturned in protecting the Hindus, Buddhists, and other minorities in Bangladesh: "Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh urges the Government to make every effort to ensure the safety of Hindus, Buddhists, etc., in Bangladesh.".
Reports have confirmed that a number of Hindu communities in Bangladesh have been attacked with houses and businesses razed and some people killed. A leader of the student movement and an adviser to the interim government, Nahid Islam, has confirmed the attacks against the Hindus saying, "Temples are being attacked, vandalized and looted." He blamed the violence on those opposed to the student movement.
According to Rana Dasgupta of the Hindu-Bouddha-Christian Oikya Parishad, there were some 100 Hindus injured and two killed. He reported that there was anti-Hindu violence in 97 locations on Monday and Tuesday. At least 10 temples were attacked during the rioting.
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