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Nava Thakuria

Guwahati: Taking a UN report describing the horrific picture of atrocities on agitating students and common Bangladeshi nationals by the then Awami League-led government in Dhaka on hands, the current interim government chief Professor Muhammad Yunus plans to punish the ousted lady premier Sheikh Hasina along with many of her loyal associates. The lone Nobel laureate of Bangladesh, Dr Yunus also made it public that during Prime Minister Hasina’s consecutive 15 years long tenure in Dhaka, she used some secret prisons used as torture cells to terrorize her opponents. Now Dr Yunus has accelerated the initiative to bring back Hasina for trials and thus indirectly put pressure on India, as Hasina continues to stay in an undisclosed location somewhere in Delhi for six months. The interim administration, which was formed following Hasina’s escape on 5 August 2024 to take an urgent refuge, had earlier urged New Delhi to hand over Hasina as she faces hundreds of criminal cases in home place. In a recent media interview, Yunus asserted that Hasina must be brought back to justice, otherwise, he asserted, the people of Bangladesh will not forgive the caretaker government.

It may be mentioned that the UN Human Rights office sent a probing team to Bangladesh following the request of the interim government chief Yunus in September to conduct an independent and impartial fact-finding inquiry into the alleged human rights violations and abuses during the deadly events that took place between 1 July and 15 August 2024.The team’s report, published in Geneva on 12 February 2025, indicated that Hasina government’s various machineries along with violent elements linked to Awami League systematically engaged in a range of serious human rights violations during the nationwide protests. The security and intelligence services of Bangladesh’s former government killed as many as 1,400 people – where 12-13 per cent were children – and arbitrarily arrested or detained more than 11,700 others during the student-led protests, stated the UN report, adding that Bangladesh Police recorded 44 of their officers were also killed in the mass uprising against the Hasina government.

The UN investigating team revealed that over 75 % of the victims died from gunfire and 60 % of them were shot with weapons meant for war. Senior official testimony indicated that Hasina herself directed the security forces to ‘kill protesters and hide their bodies’ to quell the agitation. The report also provided a number of recommendations to reform the security agencies and abolish a host of repressive laws as well as for implementing broader changes to the political system and economic governance in the Muslim majority nation with over 170 million populaces. A large number of Hindus, Ahmadiya Muslims and indigenous people from the Chittagong hill tracts also faced rights violations. Some 100 arrests in relation to attacks on distinct religious and indigenous groups were made, but many perpetrators of violence enjoyed impunity.

Meanwhile, sharing his first hand experience to visit Aynaghar (house of mirror/glass) in Dhaka recently, Yunus termed those houses as torture cells. In these notorious Aynaghars established in different parts of the country, political opponents were subjected to inhumane atrocities following the direction of Septuagenarian Hasina to suppress dissenting voices. Terming Aynaghars as horrific, Yunus lamented that unusual cruelty took place there where the victims were deprived of basic minimum rights. The Yunus administration sent a diplomatic note to New Delhi in December asking for Hasina’s extradition. Dhaka, after revoking passports of Hasina and over 90 others accusing their involvement in enforced disappearances and the last July-August killings, recently sent necessary documents to the Indian government pursuing her early repatriation under the prisoner exchange agreement between the two neighbouring countries. As New Delhi is yet to entertain the request, the Bangla government now thinks of seeking an international intervention if the process takes a very long period. Days back, the country’s International Crimes Tribunal also issued arrest warrants for Hasina and several others accusing genocide under their influences.

It was widely reported how Hasina used various government machineries to harass Yunus during her favourable time and probably it’s time for ‘due return’ as the widely acclaimed banker emerged as the interim government chief following an unprecedented socio-political turmoil in the poverty stricken populous country!

“The work of the Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh (RSS) is gaining momentum across the country and expanding day by day. Today is the celebration of the homecoming to this newly reconstructed building. Our work should also be as grand as this building. Our work should reflect that grandness. We believe that this work will reach across the world and again take Bharat to the position of Vishwaguru. Bharat will soon become Vishwaguru, and we are confident that we will witness this in our lifetime. However, for this to happen, every Swayamsevak must work selflessly and remain committed to the cause,” said RSS Sarsanghchalak Dr. Mohan Bhagwat at the Praveshotsav of RSS’ newly reconstructed Keshav Kunj, at Jhandewalan in Delhi on February 19, 2025 evening.

He further stated that Sangh’s activities are expanding in multiple dimensions; therefore, every Swayamsevak must embody purity and the capability to execute responsibilities effectively. Shri Bhagwat further emphasised that while the conditions of the Sangh (in comparison to the previous times of hardship) has changed, its direction should not change. Prosperity is a necessity—we must have what we need, but it should be attained with limits. He said, “The newly constructed building by Keshav Smarak Samiti is undoubtedly grand. However, with this grandeur comes responsibility, and we must work accordingly to uphold its stature.”

On this occasion, Sarsanghchalak Dr Bhagwat remembered RSS founder and first Sarsanghchalak Dr Keshav Baliram Hedgewar and his struggles during the initial period of the Sangh, which began in Mahal, Nagpur. He noted that Delhi, being the national capital, serves as the center of numerous activities and plays a crucial role in providing direction. Therefore, having a structure that meets the requirements was essential, and thus, this Karyalaya came into existence. While the building is now ready, the Sangh’s work does not end here. We must always keep in mind that criticism and opposition keep us vigilant. Even in a positive environment, we must remain cautious.

He further advised Swayamsevaks that while the Karyalaya inspires us to work, it is the duty of every Swayamsevak to maintain a positive environment within the building.

Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Nyas Treasurer, Pujya Govinddev Giri Ji Maharaj, in his Aashirvachan, said that today is a sacred day because it is the Jayanti of Shri Guruji and also of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, who represents the ideological strength of the Sangh.

He recalled that the then Shankaracharya of Kanchi Kamakoti Peeth, Paramacharya Ji, once told a senior Pracharak that there is no greater mantra than the Sangh Prarthna. While mentioning the film ‘Chhaava’, based on the courageous life of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, son of Shivaji Maharaj, Govinddev Giri Ji reminded how Chhatrapati Shivaji nurtured mavalas who never get tired, never stops, never surrenders and who cannot be bought by anybody. He reassembled the Sangh Swayamsevaks with mavalas, the soldiers, of Chhatrapati Shivaji. He emphasised that we are the sons of Hindu Bhumi and Sangh always talks about the progress of country on the line of tradition of Bharat.

In his brief Aashirvachan, Pujya Raghavanand Ji Maharaj, the head saint of Udaseen Ashram, Delhi, said that the Sangh is about to complete 100 years due to the unwavering resolve of Doctor Saheb. The Sangh has worked with a spirit of dedication to society and for the upliftment of all sections of the community. This is why the work of the Sangh is continuously on progress.

Addressing the Swayamsevaks, the President of Keshav Smarak Samiti, Shri Alok Kumar Ji, shared insights into the various stages of the reconstruction of Keshav Kunj, Jhandewalan, which began in 2016. It is noteworthy that this RSS Karyalaya came into existence in 1939. At that time, a small building was constructed at this very location in Jhandewalan. Later, in 1962, it was expanded to include additional rooms. In 1969, the Keshav Smarak Samiti was formed. During the 1980s, the building was further expanded as per the requirements. In 2016, Pujya Sarsanghchalak Ji laid the foundation stone for the reconstruction of this three-tower building of Keshav Kunj, built by the Keshav Smarak Samiti, through sacred rituals. Today, it stands before us in its newly reconstructed form.

Keshav Kunj primarily consists of three towers—1. Sadhana, 2. Prerana, and 3. Archana. It houses the Ashok Singhal Auditorium, which is modern and well-equipped to meet contemporary needs. There is also the Keshav Library, an OPD clinic, Suruchi Prakashan and others. To support its electricity needs, Keshav Kunj is equipped with a 150-kilowatt solar plant. For proper waste management and recycling, a 140 KLD capacity STP (Sewage Treatment Plant) has been installed. The newly built karyalaya also has a beautiful and divine Hanuman Mandir.

During the event, people who contributed in the construction of these buildings were honoured.

On the stage, Sarkaryavah Shri Dattatreya Hosabale, Uttar Kshetriya Sanghchalak Shri Pawan Jindal and Delhi Prant Sanghchalak Dr. Anil Aggarwal were present.

The Praveshotsav was attended by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, Health Minister JP Nadda, RSS Sah-Sarkaryavah Dr Krishna Gopal, Shri Arun Kumar, senior Pracharak Shri Suresh Soni, Sampark Pramukh Shri Ramlal, Sah-Prachar Pramukh Shri Narendra Thakur, Shri Indresh Kumar, Shri Premji Goyal, Shri Rameshwar, and numerous senior functionaries and Swayamsevaks.