Hundreds of Hindus took to the streets in Dhaka on Friday, protesting against a recent wave of violence targeting their communities. The protests erupted after the sudden resignation of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her departure to India earlier this week. Demonstrators gathered in Shahbagh, holding signs that read “Save Us” and chanting slogans such as “Who are we? Bengali, Bengali.” They blocked an intersection in the capital city, calling for peace and protection.
Hindus, who make up about 8 percent of Bangladesh’s 170 million people, have faced increased violence since Hasina’s resignation. Hindu temples, homes, and businesses have been vandalized, and several Hindu leaders associated with Hasina’s party have been killed. The unrest followed widespread protests against Hasina’s government over a controversial job quota system.
#Bangladesh #Hindus have taken to the streets in #Shahbagh #Dhaka to protest the attacks on their person, properties, and places of worship since Aug 5. https://t.co/Lz4wcYbScC
— Awami League (@albd1971) August 9, 2024
New Interim Government
On Thursday, Professor Muhammad Yunus, a Nobel laureate, was sworn in as the head of an interim government in Bangladesh. Yunus took office after Hasina’s resignation, which followed intense protests. Yunus’s appointment was meant to stabilize the country and address the ongoing unrest.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his congratulations to Yunus and expressed hope for a swift return to normalcy. Modi also emphasized the importance of ensuring the safety of Hindus and other minority communities in Bangladesh. He reiterated India’s commitment to working with Bangladesh to achieve peace, security, and development.
International Reactions
The international community has also responded to the violence in Bangladesh. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the attacks and called for an end to racially motivated violence. His spokesperson, Farhan Haq, emphasized the need to reduce violence and prevent further attacks.
Indian-American lawmakers have also voiced their concerns. Two prominent Congressmen, Ro Khanna and Raja Krishnamoorthi, have urged the new interim government to uphold the rule of law and protect minority communities. They criticized the violence against Hindus and called for justice for those affected. Their statements came after meetings with Hindu American groups and discussions with State Department officials.
US Government Concerns
Bangladeshi students had just human rights concerns against PM Hasina. It's good she is gone. But the violence now targeting Hindus is wrong. PM Yunus must uphold the rule of law & prevent the targeting of temples or people of any political party or faith from violence.
— Ro Khanna (@RoKhanna) August 8, 2024
The US government has expressed deep concern about the ongoing violence in Bangladesh. A State Department spokesperson highlighted the need for a thorough investigation into the attacks on religious and political groups. The US emphasized that it is crucial for the new government to address these issues and provide justice to the victims.
As Bangladesh navigates this period of transition, both domestic and international pressures are mounting for the interim government to restore order and ensure the protection of all its citizens, regardless of their religion or political affiliations.
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