Swadesh Roy
The lower court has denied bail to Chinmoy Kumar Das (Chinmoy Prabhu). According to the prosecution, the case does not qualify for bail. However, Chinmoy Das’s young lawyer, despite limited opportunities to argue, patiently explained to the court that the case does not, in any way, amount to treason. He pointed out that cases of treason must be initiated by the state itself, which is not applicable in this instance.
In truth, the case against Chinmoy Das was filed by a BNP worker. Ironically, the BNP later expelled this individual for filing the case. This raises critical questions: does the case retain any legitimacy if the party that filed it has disowned it? More importantly, has the state itself taken any legal action against Chinmoy Das?
A Politically Charged Atmosphere
During the court proceedings, as Chinmoy Das’s lawyer presented arguments for bail, a group of lawyers in the courtroom began chanting, “Dhaka or Delhi, Dhaka or Delhi.” Disturbingly, neither the court nor its police intervened to stop this disruptive behavior. This incident highlights two significant issues:
- The Political Nature of the Case
Allowing such behavior to persist in court strongly suggests that the case is politically motivated. - Reviving Old Prejudices
By chanting “Dhaka or Delhi,” these lawyers attempted to associate Chinmoy Das with India, perpetuating the outdated anti-India and anti-Hindu political narrative from Pakistan’s era. During that time, Hindus in this region were frequently and falsely accused of being aligned with India—a tactic to undermine their patriotism.
The Question of Patriotism
It is 2024, and yet Hindus in this region continue to face unwarranted trials of patriotism. The historical contributions of figures like Dhirendranath Datta serve as a testament to their unwavering commitment to this land. Datta, a visionary leader, initiated the Bengali language movement in the Pakistani Parliament. Had he chosen to move to India, he could have become a Chief Minister or a central government minister. Despite repeated offers from Jawaharlal Nehru, Datta chose to stay in his motherland, advocating for Bengali to be recognized as a state language and even suggesting its use in postal services.
Tragically, most of his contemporaries from East Bengal either remained silent or actively opposed his efforts. This crucial chapter of history remains largely overlooked by today’s generation, including those in positions of power. Their lack of awareness is evident from their words and actions, as they continue to overlook Datta’s significant contributions.
Overlooked Legacy
If leaders and citizens alike were to revisit Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s February 21, 1971 speech, they would find a direct acknowledgment of Dhirendranath Datta’s role. Mujib himself questioned, “When Dhirendranath Datta demanded Bengali as a state language in Parliament, where were our Muslim members of Parliament?” This truth, coupled with Badruddin Umar’s historical accounts of the language movement, underscores the magnitude of Datta’s sacrifice and commitment to his homeland.
Datta’s legacy is sealed in blood. In his 80s, he was brutally martyred by Pakistani invaders and their collaborators during the Liberation War in 1971. His remains became part of the soil of his beloved birthplace.
Even in 1970, when the first formal proposal for the independence of this land was presented by the East Pakistan Students’ League, it was brought forth by the organization’s organizational secretary, Swapan Chowdhury. The proposal stated that this land would be “an independent socialist Bangladesh.” Although the proposal was not personal to him but represented the organization, it bore the intellectual influence of former leaders like Sirajul Alam Khan and Sheikh Fazlul Haque Moni. Still, Swapan Chowdhury’s name remains intertwined with it. His commitment to this belief is evident—this brave son of Chattogram was martyred as a freedom fighter commander in the Liberation War of 1971.
Even in 2024, when movements arose first for employment rights and later for the abolition of discrimination, thousands of Hindu boys and girls, along with artist Rahul Anand, actively participated.
The Price of Participation
What has been the outcome of these movements? After the movement, Rahul Anand’s house was set on fire. A BBC documentary showed the tragic experiences of Sukanta Barman and Banamali Barman, two students who actively participated in the 2024 movement. After the movement ended, they witnessed thousands of Hindu homes being burned and mothers and sisters hiding in bushes to protect their honor. Those who never considered themselves minorities, who marched for a more just society alongside others in the movement of 2024, are now left saying at the end of the BBC documentary, released on January 3, “Now we realize we are minorities in this country.”
The 20 million Hindus of Bangladesh have accepted that they will never fully enjoy political and civil rights here. Yet, they at least want to live here safely. A new generation, as I mentioned in a previous article, wants to stay in this land with the dignity of their birthright.
The Legacy of Unity
Dhirendranath Datta sowed the seeds of Bangladesh’s independence by initiating the movement for the Bengali language. Even then, he did not consider himself a minority because Muhammad Ali Jinnah, in his first speech, declared that this country would belong not only to Muslis but also to Hindus, Buddhists, and Christians (though this vision was never realized). Standing on that foundation, Dhirendranath Datta spoke out. Similarly, Swapan Chowdhury presented the proposal for independence on behalf of his organization, envisioning a Bangladesh for all.
Today, however, Chinmoy Das must struggle as a Hindu. Why this regression? Why this misfortune? Writing about it would require thousands of pages. There are many who can explain it even more elaborately. Even Chinmoy, who has taken to the field with an eight-point demand for ensuring the safety of Hindus, knows why, in an independent and sovereign Bangladesh, he must now fight separately for the safety and rights of over 20 million Hindus.
A Symbol of Injustice
Having been reduced from full citizenship to merely seeking safety and minimal rights, Chinmoy Das is now in jail, labeled as a traitor after organizing just two public meetings. This situation dries the tears of the people and raises questions about the character of the state itself. Even previously, when such incidents occurred, civil society would speak up, but that voice is now almost nonexistent. In this void, Chinmoy has become a symbol of an unfortunate human community.
The birth of Bangladesh is stained with blood and marked by the loss of countless resources. This state cannot afford to reduce an entire community to an unfortunate class in the name of religion. The very spirit of this nation’s founding rejects such a fate for Chinmoy Das. Let every conscious citizen in this country hope for true justice for Chinmoy.
The writer is a state-awarded journalist and editor, and publisher of Sarakhon and The Present World.
