In a dramatic turn of events, the political landscape of Bangladesh changed when a coup ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. This upheaval not only destabilised the government but also unleashed a wave of violence against Hindu minorities, sparking international concern and condemnation. To compound the crisis, authorities blocked Hindus advocacy pages in India, raising questions about the implementation of India’s Information Technology Act, 2000.
The Coup: A Turning Point in Bangladeshi Politics
Sheikh Hasina, the leader of the Awami League, has significantly influenced Bangladeshi politics, promoting secularism and economic development. However, her administration faced criticism and challenges, including allegations of authoritarianism and corruption. The coup, orchestrated by a faction within the military, claimed to restore democracy and address widespread grievances against Hasina’s rule.
The sudden ousting of Hasina created a power vacuum and a period of uncertainty. Various groups exploited the situation to further their agendas, leading to chaos instead of the promised stability.
Giving open threat that they will demolish all the Dev-Devi's Status of Hindus. 6.8.2024
Now? pic.twitter.com/mtSPpktWtn
— Bangladesh Agniveer (@BDAgniveer) August 6, 2024
Riots Against Hindus
Following the coup, Bangladesh witnessed a surge in violence against its Hindu minority community. Rioters targeted Hindu temples, homes, and businesses in a series of coordinated attacks. These riots resulted in numerous deaths, injuries, and displacements, exacerbating the already fragile situation for religious minorities in the country.
Shop of a Hindu owner (Rajan Chandra) in Lakshmipur.#SaveBangladeshiHindus #AllEyesOnBangladeshiHindus #HinduAreNotSafeInBangladesh #HinduGenocideInBangladesh pic.twitter.com/UeLOVVnbjM
— Voice of Bangladeshi Hindus 🇧🇩 (@VoiceofHindu71) August 7, 2024
Date: July 14 video.
Govinda Chandra Pramanik who said that Hindus are being attacked.
On August 6, fearing Islamists, he changed his statement and made another video.#SaveBangladeshiHindus#AllEyesOnBangladeshiHindus #HindusAreNotSafeInBangladesh #HinduGenocideInBangladesh pic.twitter.com/Ek7uiGlxco— Voice of Bangladeshi Hindus 🇧🇩 (@VoiceofHindu71) August 7, 2024
Hindus, who comprise about 8-10% of Bangladesh’s population, have historically faced discrimination and violence. The post-coup riots reflected deep-seated communal tensions, further inflamed by political instability. The international community, including human rights organizations, called for immediate action to protect minorities and restore order.
Hindu women in Bangladesh cry after Islamists stormed their homes, vandalised & looted before leaving.
The Islamists are trying to force the Hindus to leave the country.
15 mln Hindus live in Bangladesh, which amounts around 10% of the total population pic.twitter.com/cTAUC2ILR5
— Visegrád 24 (@visegrad24) August 6, 2024
Blocking of Hindus Advocacy Pages in India
What the Hell! @GoI_MeitY – Why would you block someone who is making Indians aware of the Atrocities being done on Hindus in Bangladesh!@narendramodi @PMOIndia @AshwiniVaishnaw – Your Immediate Intervention is needed https://t.co/YBkfT42nFP
— The Jaipur Dialogues (@JaipurDialogues) August 6, 2024
As reports of violence against Hindus in Bangladesh spread, social media became a crucial platform for raising awareness and mobilizing support. However, authorities in India blocked several Hindu advocacy pages, allegedly under the provisions of India’s Information Technology Act, 2001. This move sparked controversy and debate over freedom of expression and the role of social media in modern activism. This became all the more contentious since figures like Zoobear and Dhruv Rathee continue to run free with their propagandas.
India’s Information Technology Act, 2000
The Information Technology Act, 2000, is a comprehensive piece of legislation enacted to address legal issues concerning electronic commerce, cybersecurity, and digital communications in India. The Act provides the framework for regulating electronic transactions, preventing cybercrime, and ensuring the protection of digital information.
Key provisions of the Act include:
- Legal Recognition of Electronic Transactions: The Act grants legal recognition to electronic documents and digital signatures, facilitating e-commerce and online business operations.
- Cybersecurity: Provisions for combating cybercrime, including hacking, identity theft, and cyber terrorism, are outlined in the Act. It empowers authorities to investigate and prosecute cybercriminals.
- Intermediary Liability: The Act holds intermediaries (such as social media platforms and internet service providers) responsible for content hosted on their platforms, provided they do not act upon complaints regarding unlawful content.
- Blocking of Content: Section 69A of the Act grants the government the authority to block public access to any information that is deemed harmful to national security, public order, or decency. This provision has been invoked to block websites and social media pages that allegedly promote hate speech or incite violence.
- Data Protection and Privacy: The Act addresses issues of data protection and privacy, imposing obligations on organizations to safeguard sensitive personal information.
Blocking Hindu advocacy pages in India under this Act has raised concerns about balancing national security and freedom of expression. As Bangladesh navigates its political future, the protection of Hindu minorities is the need of the hour!
