'Hindus will be safe in Bangladesh, and India...,' said Hindu Minister of Tariq Rahman
Nitai Roy Chowdhury, the sole Hindu minister in Tariq Rahman's new government of Bangladesh, asserts that minority safety will be prioritized while criticizing the previous leadership for undermining institutions and the education system.
After being appointed as the Culture Minister in Tariq Rahman's newly formed government, 77-year-old Nitai Roy Chowdhury has emphasized the importance of protecting minority communities in Bangladesh. As the only Hindu minister in the government and the deputy chairman of the BNP's central committee, Chowdhury has pledged that the government will work to ensure safety for all minorities and prevent the spread of extremism in the country. His statements reflect a critical stance on the current socio-political situation in Bangladesh, especially concerning the treatment and rights of minority communities under prior administrations.
In discussing the current state of affairs, Chowdhury accused the previous administration, led by former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, of weakening national institutions and exacerbating conditions for minorities. He noted that by the time of Hasina's departure in 2024, the overall situation had deteriorated significantly, particularly within the educational system. Chowdhury criticized the prevailing practices that allowed a staggering 98% of students to pass without merit, undermining the integrity of education and literacy in Bangladesh.
Chowdhury also expressed concerns about the previous government's impact on the country's cultural heritage, alleging that it had promoted inappropriate dance and music while neglecting traditional values. He asserted that the new government aims to reinforce the spirit of unity in diversity, suggesting a more inclusive approach to cultural representation and minority rights moving forward, which may resonate positively with Bangladesh's diverse population.