December 6, 1992, marks ‘Shaurya Diwas,’ a day when Hindus honor the courage and perseverance that led to the restoration of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. However, this day carries a complex legacy. Certain sections of society continue to impose guilt on Hindus, framing the demolition of the Babri Masjid as an attack on another religion’s place of worship. The truth behind this event and its historical context reveals a different narrative—one that predates December 6, 1992.
Now on to Kashi, Mathura, Sambhal & all other places that are occupied by Mlecchas! pic.twitter.com/0kjTRLtzDY
— The Jaipur Dialogues (@JaipurDialogues) December 6, 2024
Invaders built the Babri Masjid after demolishing the original Ram Temple at that very site. Many ignore this historical fact, and mainstream discourse often overlooks the persecution of Hindus in neighboring Bangladesh during the same period.
The Struggle for the Ram Temple: Shaurya Diwas
The Ram Temple struggle focused not only on reclaiming land but also on restoring Hindu religious and cultural heritage. Hindus fought for centuries to assert their rights over the land, frequently facing violent suppression. The movement didn’t start spontaneously. It evolved through legal battles and political negotiations, culminating in a judicial decision that paved the way for the Ram Temple.
The laying of the first stone for the Ram Temple on November 2, 1989, symbolized a victory for Hindu faith over centuries of denial. This moment of triumph, however, ignited a violent backlash—not only in India but also in Bangladesh. The stone-laying ceremony sparked violence that targeted the Hindu minority there.
Violence in Bangladesh: A Forgotten Chapter
The violence on Hindus is not an occurrence of the present day. In October 1990, rumors spread in Bangladesh that the Babri Masjid had been demolished, months before the actual event. This ignited widespread violence against Hindus, a response that preceded the demolition by over a year. The media in Bangladesh inflamed tensions, spreading fear and hatred. This led to systematic attacks on Hindus.
At this time, President Hussain Muhammad Ershad led Bangladesh, having declared Islam the state religion in 1988, deepening the religious divide. Despite his promises to protect minorities, radical Islamist groups attacked Hindu communities with impunity. Between 1989 and 1992, Hindus in Bangladesh faced extreme violence, including the rape of over 1,000 women, the destruction of hundreds of temples, and the looting of thousands of homes and businesses. These were not random riots but organized campaigns of violence, backed by political forces in power.
On the night of December 6, 1992, as the Babri Masjid was demolished, Hindus in Chittagong endured brutal violence. Three children burned alive in Qutubdia, and the violence quickly spread to Dhaka and other parts of the country. The Hindu, Buddhist, Christian Unity Council (HBCUC) reported that 28,000 Hindu homes, 3,500 religious institutions, and 2,500 businesses were destroyed. In areas like Shankhari Bazaar, no Hindu shop remained. In Sylhet, Hindus suffered so much that their future appeared irreparably scarred.
The Unspoken Atrocities: A Tragic Silence
The scale of the atrocities against Hindus in Bangladesh from 1989 to 1992 is staggering, yet many ignore it in public discourse. The destruction of temples like the Dhakeshwari Temple, Madhav Gudiya Math, and Jayakali Temple, along with the targeted attacks on Hindu businesses and homes, often goes unmentioned in discussions about the Babri Masjid demolition. Writer Taslima Nasreen’s novel Lajja vividly captures these events, detailing how Hindu establishments were razed to the ground and how Islamic mobs systematically oppressed Hindus.
These weren’t riots where both sides engaged in conflict. They were acts of unprovoked persecution, with one community ruthlessly oppressing another. The question must be asked: Why does the world not acknowledge the suffering of Hindus in Bangladesh, during the same period as the Babri Masjid demolition?
Selective Outrage and Historical Amnesia
While the demolition of the Babri Masjid remains a topic of intense debate, many ignore the violence against Hindus in Bangladesh during the same period. This selective outrage allows the anti-Hindu narrative to overshadow the real dangers faced by Hindus in neighboring countries. The persecution of Hindus in Bangladesh is not merely a historical footnote; it’s a stark reminder of the religious intolerance that still plagues the region.
It is crucial to shed light on these forgotten atrocities and understand their broader historical context. The destruction of the Ram Temple was not a senseless act of violence but a response to centuries of religious suppression. Similarly, the violence against Hindus in Bangladesh was not an isolated incident but part of a larger pattern of religious persecution that continues to affect minority communities around the world.
Honouring Shaurya Diwas and the Forgotten Struggle
Shaurya Diwas is a day to honor the spirit of resistance and perseverance in the face of centuries of oppression. It is a day to reflect on the broader struggle for justice, religious freedom, and cultural preservation. The fight for the Ram Temple wasn’t just a legal battle. It was a fight for the dignity and identity of Hindus.
Equally important is remembering the suffering of Hindus in Bangladesh during this time. A chapter of history that has largely been silenced. The atrocities are continuing to this day.
It is time to move beyond selective narratives and honour the memory of all those who suffered and fought for their faith.