If Bangladesh’s Hindu Community Asserts Its Rights, Global Support Will Follow: RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat

Yugcharan / February 8, 2026

Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat on Sunday made strong remarks on the situation of religious minorities in Bangladesh, stating that if the Hindu community there collectively asserts its rights and chooses to remain in the country, it would receive moral and social support from Hindus across the world. His comments came amid ongoing concerns over incidents affecting minority communities in Bangladesh and were delivered during a lecture series marking the centenary year of the RSS.

Mr. Bhagwat was speaking on the second day of a two-day lecture programme titled “100 Years of Sangh Journey: New Horizons”, organised in Mumbai to commemorate the organisation’s completion of 100 years. Addressing a large audience at the Nehru Centre in Worli, he referred to the Hindu population in Bangladesh and said their collective resolve would determine the nature of global support extended to them.

“There are around 1.25 crore Hindus in Bangladesh. If they decide to stay there and stand up for their rights, Hindus across the world will stand with them,” Mr. Bhagwat said. He framed the issue as one of community confidence and collective will, rather than external intervention.

Context of Unrest in Bangladesh

Mr. Bhagwat’s remarks came against the backdrop of political instability and social unrest in Bangladesh over recent months. The country has witnessed periods of tension following widespread protests linked to political developments, including the removal of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina after a prolonged student-led agitation in 2024. Subsequent unrest reportedly led to sporadic incidents targeting minority communities, including Hindus, in certain regions.

Reports of violence, vandalism of property, and intimidation of minority citizens have drawn international attention, with rights groups urging authorities in Bangladesh to ensure safety and uphold constitutional protections for all communities. While the Bangladeshi government has repeatedly stated that it is committed to safeguarding minorities, concerns persist among sections of civil society.

Without going into operational or policy specifics, Mr. Bhagwat said the situation highlighted the importance of unity and resilience within communities facing uncertainty. He avoided direct references to any particular political group in Bangladesh but underlined what he described as a broader civilisational bond among Hindus globally.

Domestic Issues: Population and Governance

In his address, the RSS chief also touched upon domestic issues within India, particularly demographic changes. He said earlier governments had not adequately addressed concerns related to population trends, pointing to birth rates and illegal immigration as contributing factors.

“The government in the past did not act sufficiently on population-related changes. Birth rates and illegal immigration played a role. Now that action has begun, it will be successful,” Mr. Bhagwat said, without elaborating on specific policies. His comments echoed long-standing positions articulated by the organisation on demographic balance and internal security.

He further asserted that India’s position on the global stage had strengthened and that attempts to destabilise the country would not succeed. “India cannot be weakened now. Those who try to weaken or break India will not succeed,” he said, drawing applause from the audience.

Organisation’s Funding and Functioning

Addressing questions often raised about the RSS’s finances, Mr. Bhagwat said the organisation does not depend on corporate funding or institutional donations. According to him, the Sangh sustains itself through contributions from its volunteers and supporters.

“People often ask where RSS funds come from. We raise funds from our own workers. When we travel, we ask for simple meals instead of buying food, and we stay in the homes of workers rather than hotels,” he said, describing what he called the organisation’s culture of frugality and self-reliance.

He added that this model was intended to keep the organisation connected to society at the grassroots level and free from what he described as external influence.

Leadership, Caste, and Inclusivity

Mr. Bhagwat also spoke on issues of leadership and caste within the RSS. Rejecting allegations of social exclusivity, he said the organisation does not discriminate on the basis of caste and that leadership positions are open to all.

“Anyone from any caste can become the RSS chief. Belonging to a Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe is not a disqualification, and being a Brahmin is not a qualification,” he said. While acknowledging that the organisation initially drew support largely from certain social groups, he said its work today spans all sections of society.

On the organisation’s engagement in areas with a significant Muslim population, Mr. Bhagwat said the RSS follows a strategy of restraint to avoid unnecessary confrontation. “In such areas, challenges are handled by not responding. Even if harsh words are used, we do not respond. That way, conflict does not escalate,” he said.

Clarifying the RSS’s Stated Role

The comments on Sunday followed Mr. Bhagwat’s address on the first day of the lecture series, where he emphasised that the RSS does not see itself as being opposed to any community or group. He reiterated that the organisation does not seek political power and does not function as a pressure group.

“The Sangh is not against anyone. It does not want power. Its objective is to unite society,” he said, recalling that RSS founder Dr. Keshav Baliram Hedgewar started the organisation in 1925 with the aim of addressing what he perceived as social fragmentation.

According to Mr. Bhagwat, the centenary celebrations were intended not only to reflect on the organisation’s past but also to outline its vision for the future, focusing on social harmony, national confidence, and cultural continuity.

Reactions and Broader Implications

Mr. Bhagwat’s remarks on Bangladesh are likely to generate debate in political and diplomatic circles, given the sensitivity of cross-border issues involving minority rights. Analysts note that while the RSS chief framed his comments in terms of moral and social support, statements of this nature are often closely scrutinised for their potential impact on India’s relations with neighbouring countries.

At the same time, supporters argue that the comments reflect concerns shared by sections of the Indian public about the safety of minorities in the region and are part of a broader discourse on cultural and civilisational ties.

As the RSS marks its 100th year, Mr. Bhagwat’s speeches underscore the organisation’s attempt to articulate its positions on domestic governance, social cohesion, and regional developments. Whether these remarks will translate into concrete policy debates or diplomatic conversations remains to be seen, but they have once again placed the organisation’s worldview at the centre of national discussion.