Bill can’t lure Bangladeshi Hindus, asserts researcher Dr. Binay Kumar Chakraborty

Bill can’t lure Bangladeshi Hindus, asserts researcher Dr. Binay Kumar Chakraborty

A CORRESPONDENT

DIBRUGARH: The controversy around the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2019 has been causing quite a stir across the length and breadth of Assam. The proposed bill, more popular as CAB, aims to provide citizenship to non-Muslims from three countries –- Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan. The government says that the intention is to provide shelter to the people fleeing religious persecution in those countries. The fear in Assam, however, is primarily pertaining to the ones from Bangladesh.

In such an atmosphere of conflicting narratives and impassioned opposition to the Bill, ‘The Sentinel’ got in touch with the Project Director and Researcher, Department of Fisheries, Bangladesh, Dr. Binay Kumar Chakraborty on the sidelines of an international research conference held at DHSK College to get a better clarity of the status quo in his country, Bangladesh. The discussion also revolved round learning if the non-Muslims of Bangladesh are really persecuted in the name of religion, and whether they will be interested to come to India and apply for citizenship through the process of naturalisation. Following are the excerpts from the interview:

The Sentinel: Do you think that the Hindu Bengalis of Bangladesh, who are well-settled now, find CAB attractive?

Dr Binay Kumar Chakraborty: I don’t think so. Most of the people of the minority community of Bangladesh are leading a peaceful life. They will definitely not want to leave all that behind and head for a new country at the drop of a hat.

But, do you think that CAB might lead to a situation where these people are being forced by the hardliners of Bangladesh to leave their country for India?

I can’t deny that possibility completely. In few pockets of Bangladesh like Noakhali, where parochialism is often seen, people might have to face coercion at the hands of the divisive forces. Otherwise, the social fabric of the country, over the years, has become strong enough to withstand such moments.

What is the current position of Bangladesh? Has it been able to carve its own growth trajectory?

Yes, of course! Bangladesh is developing at a fast pace – textile industry being one of the most important contributors. I believe that in another five years from now, the country will be among the emerging economies of the world. Not just economically, the people of Bangladesh are fast developing a scientific bent too. Research and development has increased like never before.

So, in this ‘New Bangladesh’ that you envision, will people still be attracted to India and consider it a better destination to earn their livelihood?

There is no harm in getting attracted to a neighbouring country whose economy is one of the largest in the world. Both the countries are related by culture as well as trade and commerce; so, the inter-country interaction will always be there. However, Bangladesh is well-poised to become increasingly self-sustainable in a matter of few years.

Does Bangladesh support pluralism?

Yes, completely! You see, even last year Durga Puja was observed with great gusto in Bangladesh by the Hindus. Many Muslims also took part in the celebrations. The current government, that is, Awami League, has always been supportive of the minorities of the country. Most people in Bangladesh, regardless of their religion, seek inter-faith harmony.

Where do you see the youth of Bangladesh today? Have they really been, as is the perception of many in India, touched by the dark forces of religious extremism?

The youth of Bangladesh is fast becoming progressive and productive. A greater chunk of the young blood is too busy devising ways to add value to the Bangladeshi economy rather than getting swayed by the reactionary forces. My profession often leaves me amidst the young people, and therefore, I can say this with utmost certainty.

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