H.E. Dr. Ursula von der Leyen The Honorable President European
Commission |
H.E. Mr.
Charles Michel The Honorable President European
Council |
H.E. Roberta
Metsola The Honorable President European
Parliament |
CC: 1. Ms. Tatiana MRAZIKOVA Team Coordinator and Diplomatic
Advisor, European Parliament
2. Amnesty International 3.
Human Rights Watch 4. Article 19 5. Delegation of the European Union to Bangladesh
Subject: Urgent
Appeal for Visa Policy to Protect Religious Minorities in Bangladesh
Your
Excellencies:
Allow
me to extend my congratulations, on behalf of the democracy-loving people of
Bangladesh and all human rights defenders worldwide, for your principled stance
in protecting the human rights of every citizen and promoting institutional
democracy and good governance in authoritarian countries.
I am writing
to urgently seek your support in addressing a critical issue that requires
immediate attention—the protection of the rights of religious minorities in
Bangladesh. As champions of human
rights and religious freedom, your leadership is crucial in ensuring the safety
and well-being of these vulnerable communities.
Bangladesh, a
country known for its diverse population, is home to Hindus, Christians,
Buddhists, and other religious minorities. However, these communities have been subjected to
discrimination, violence, and persecution, eroding the fabric of Bangladesh's
aspired tolerant and pluralistic society. Forced conversions, land grabs,
desecration of religious places, and targeted violence have become alarmingly
common occurrences, instilling a sense of insecurity and fear within these
communities.
I commend your administration's unwavering commitment to safeguarding
human rights and promoting religious freedom globally. In line with this
commitment, I kindly request your support in advocating for the establishment
of a Visa Policy aimed at protecting religious minorities in Bangladesh. Such a
policy would send a powerful message that the European
Parliament/Commission/Council stands firmly against religious persecution and
would encourage the Bangladeshi government to take immediate action in
safeguarding the rights of religious minorities.
Under the
proposed Visa Policy, the European Parliament/Commission/Council could impose restrictions on
issuing visas to Bangladeshi individuals believed to be responsible for or
complicit in acts that undermine religious freedom. This would include those involved
in inciting violence, promoting hate speech, or perpetrating acts of
persecution against religious minorities. By implementing this policy, we can
not only protect the vulnerable communities in Bangladesh but also demonstrate
the European Parliament/Commission/Council's unwavering commitment to upholding
human rights and religious freedom worldwide.
The
announcement of this Visa Policy would not only contribute to the creation of a
more inclusive and tolerant society in Bangladesh but also serve as a beacon of
hope for religious minorities facing persecution globally. Your leadership in this matter
will reinforce the European Parliament/Commission/Council's position as a
global advocate for human rights, inspiring other nations to prioritize the protection
of their religious minority communities.
I urge you to consider the urgency of this issue and take proactive
steps to ensure the safety and well-being of religious minorities in Bangladesh.
By working together, we can make a significant impact and bring about positive
change.
Your leadership and proactive stance on this matter would contribute to creating a more inclusive
and tolerant society, not only in Bangladesh but throughout the world. By
taking a firm stand against religious persecution, we can promote a world where
individuals can freely practice their faith without fear or discrimination.
Thank you for
your attention to this matter. I am confident that your dedication to human
rights and religious freedom will have a significant impact on the lives of
religious minorities in Bangladesh and beyond.
Please accept our sincere wishes to you and all
officials of the European Union.
With sincerest gratitude. Joy Bangla!
Minhaz Samad Chowdhury, Independent HR
Defender, 13th
June 2023
(Focuses
on State Violence against and Land Rights of Minorities in Bangladesh)
Email:
rightsmanbest@gmail.com
www.hr-defender.blogspot.com
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