Dhaka: Hundreds of demonstrators gathered in Dhaka on Friday to protest against the recent surge of violence directed at the Hindu minority in Bangladesh following the abrupt resignation and departure of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina earlier this week.
The violence has claimed the life of a school teacher and left at least 45 others injured, as homes, businesses, and temples belonging to the Hindu community were attacked in the predominantly Muslim nation. The unrest erupted after Hasina’s resignation on Monday, leaving the Hindu community, which makes up about 8% of Bangladesh’s 170 million population, in a state of fear and uncertainty.
Protesters, many holding signs demanding the protection of Bangladesh’s minorities, chanted slogans such as “Who are we? Bengali, Bengali!” and called for peace as they blocked a major intersection in the capital on Friday. The Hindu community has historically aligned with Hasina’s Awami League party, which recently faced public backlash after violent clashes between anti-quota protesters and security forces last month.
The Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council has reported that at least 52 of the country’s 64 districts have experienced communal violence since August 5th. The council has reached out to Muhammad Yunus, the Nobel Peace Prize-winning economist who assumed leadership of the caretaker administration on Thursday, seeking his intervention in the crisis.
“There is deep apprehension, anxiety, and uncertainty among minorities across the country,” the council expressed in an open letter on Friday.
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The United Nations Secretary-General’s office has urged for the violence in Bangladesh to be “tamped down”, emphasizing its stance against any “racially based attacks” or “racially based incitement to violence”.
In response to the escalating crisis, thousands of Bangladeshi Hindus are attempting to flee to neighboring India. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a message on X on Thursday, called for the “safety and protection” of Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh.
In a televised address following his swearing-in, Yunus outlined his government’s commitment to ensuring “democracy, justice, human rights, and full freedom of fearless expression” for all citizens.
