East Bengal FC demands the protection of minorities in Bangladesh

Sports is often considered a separate entity from any other aspect globally but there are certain times when Sports becomes a medium to raise voice for the atrocities happening around the world.

One of the oldest clubs in the country, East Bengal FC has expressed grave concern over the plight of the minorities in Bangladesh.

In an official statement, the club has asked the Bangladeshi authorities to take immediate and effective measures to safeguard vulnerable communities.

Known for its century-long legacy of championing social justice and opposing communal violence, East Bengal underscored its historical commitment to marginalized communities in its statement.

The club highlighted its active role in addressing crises, from natural disasters to humanitarian emergencies.

"East Bengal Club was born out of protest – a protest against racism much before the term became popular and even founded a place in the FIFA charter," it said.

East Bengal FC traces its routes back to Bangladesh and has a lot of deep ties in the reason.

"Since then, East Bengal Club has always been at the forefront of many public movements ranging from fighting against racial and communal persecution to standing beside the affected people be it the sufferers of the 1943 Bengal famine to Ayla, and most recently, the Covid-19 pandemic," the release said.

"The contribution of our club and its prominent members during the struggle for freedom is also known to one and all. The systematic targeting of minorities in Bangladesh has affected the supporters of our club very deeply."

"Most of our supporters have their ancestral roots in what is now called Bangladesh. Many of our supporters' families had been victims of such attacks pre and post-partition as well as in the late 60's & early 70's," the statement said.

East Bengal said it has also received numerous appeals from supporters, urging it to raise awareness about the ongoing persecution across the border.

"We have been receiving a lot of phone calls, e-mails, etc from them with requests to raise this issue at the appropriate platforms. Even our supporters who hail from West Bengal and other parts of India are deeply concerned about the state of affairs in Bangladesh.

"Such rampant targeting and persecution of the minorities in Bangladesh need to stop. We humbly request all competent authorities to kindly address the issue with utmost priority and do whatever is necessary to save, protect, and give relief to our mothers, sisters, and brothers across the border," the statement added.

The club plans to write to the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and considers it as an international humanitarian concern.

Established in 1920 as a protest against perceived discrimination by the British colonial football establishment, East Bengal Club has emerged as a symbol of resilience and unity for marginalized communities.