KUALA LUMPUR – Former MIC Youth chief Datuk Sivarraajh Chandran has called on the government to address the recent killings of Hindus in Bangladesh, saying an official response would be consistent with Malaysia’s past positions on human rights and civilian protection.
“These incidents, which reportedly involved stabbings and the burning of victims’ bodies, raise serious concerns about law and order,” Sivarraajh said in a statement.
He noted that Malaysia maintains close diplomatic and economic ties with Bangladesh and said speaking out against violence targeting civilians would reflect the country’s longstanding foreign policy approach.
“Remaining silent may be interpreted as indifference and could contribute to further instability,” he said.
Sivarraajh, who is also a senator in the Dewan Negara, questioned the absence of an official statement, noting that Malaysia has previously commented on international incidents involving civilian harm and human rights violations.
“Malaysia has taken positions on other international issues, and it is reasonable to ask whether a similar response is warranted in this case,” he said.
He stressed that his remarks were not intended to politicise the issue or assign blame, but to underline the principle that violence against civilians cannot be justified under any circumstances.
“These incidents are not isolated and have broader implications for regional stability and governance. Addressing them openly reinforces the importance of accountability and the rule of law,” he added.
Sivarraajh urged the government to uphold principles of human dignity and the protection of life, saying Malaysia’s international standing has often been shaped by its willingness to engage on humanitarian concerns.
Recent reports from Bangladesh indicate that mobs have targeted Hindu communities, resulting in deaths, injuries, and damage to property.
One widely reported case involved Dipu Chandra Das, a Hindu garment worker in Bhaluka, who was beaten, hanged from a tree, and set on fire on December 18 last year after being accused of making derogatory remarks about Islam during a factory event.
Investigators later stated that no evidence was found to support the allegation. While Bangladeshi authorities have launched investigations, observers have raised concerns about ongoing social tensions and the state’s capacity to prevent further violence and maintain public order. — January 5, 2026