Protests have erupted across Bangladesh in response to recent attacks against the Hindu community, with demonstrators demanding justice and increased protection for religious minorities in the country.
Following the removal of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and the appointment of an interim government, communal violence has been reported in Bangladesh which has subsequently sparked protests.
Following several weeks of nationwide student unrest over a government job quota system that was deemed biased in favor of individuals linked to her political party, the leader Hasina resigned and escaped to India on Monday.
The demonstrations began with peaceful intentions but rapidly escalated into a violent clash, ultimately claiming over 400 lives. On Thursday, an interim administration took office and appointed Mohammad Yunus as its key consultant – a role comparable to that of prime minister. The Nobel Peace Prize laureate is known for his groundbreaking work in the fields of microcredit and microfinance.
Reports in Bangladeshi and Indian media have stated that many Hindus, numbering in the dozens, were harmed during attacks on their homes and businesses after Hasina left. Bangladesh is predominantly Muslim with a Hindu population of about 9%. The historically supportive Hindu community has backed Sheikh Hasina’s secular Awami League party which developed close ties to New Delhi over the past decade.
RRAD ALSO: Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus Appointed as Bangladesh’s Interim Leader
Local media reported that in the past weekend, massive rallies were held in Dhaka and Chittagong – two of the biggest cities – with hundreds of thousands participating. The objective was to demand safety for Hindus while calling for a fair punishment towards those who cause them harm. Furthermore, these demonstrators expressed their wish for minorities to receive 10% representation within parliament as well as legal protection through enacted minority protection laws.
Describing the attacks against Hindus as “heinous,” Yunus has condemned them and urged protesting students to safeguard families of other religions such as Christian and Buddhist from harm. The interim cabinet released its first official statement on Sunday, expressing deep concern about the assaults targeting religious minorities in certain areas.
Neighboring India, where Hindus make up the majority population, has also witnessed comparable protests. To address alleged attacks against Hindus and monitor the situation along its 4,000km border with Bangladesh, New Delhi established a special committee. As acts of violence increase in frequency, Indian security forces have prevented numerous individuals from crossing the border.
In addition to congratulating Yunus on his new role as leader of the interim government, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the need for safeguarding the well-being of Hindus and other minority groups in Bangladesh.
Alleged atrocities have sparked protests in the US. A group of 300 Indian Americans and Bangladeshi-origin Hindus protested at Sugar Land City Hall in Houston on Sunday. Meanwhile, outside the White House in Washington on Friday, a significant number rallied for justice regarding Bangladesh’s minority communities.
Numerous sources in Bangladesh have suggested that certain videos circulating on social media, which supposedly depict violence against Hindus, are either out of context or entirely untrue. These claims were then reportedly amplified by the Indian press. On Sunday, Prothom Alo newspaper cited specific instances to highlight how some reports concerning assaults on the Hindu community – as presented in Indian media outlets – turned out to be false.
Reports from Bangladeshi media suggest that there has been a law-and-order vacuum on the streets since the government’s fall on August 5, with police being notably absent. This was particularly evident in Dhaka where students were seen directing traffic. An AFP report revealed that over 42 officers lost their lives during protests causing policemen to pledge not going back to work until they are guaranteed safety while executing duties. However, as of Monday; patrols have resumed by the police within capital city limits once again.
