Bangladesh Violence Against Hindus: Armed crowds have attacked numerous Hindu temples, shops, and establishments in Bangladesh since Sheikh Hasina was removed as prime minister.
Despite pleas from the leaders of the movement that toppled the Awami League government not to target the Hindu minority in Bangladesh, concerns have been raised about their safety. Positively, voices are speaking out for Hindus, and Muslims and Hindus are manning several temples jointly.
Bangladesh Crisis 2024
Approximately 8% of Bangladesh’s 17 million inhabitants are Hindu, and a sizable portion of this minority has long supported Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League. Sheikh Hasina has close relations with India and the Awami League has portrayed itself as a primarily secular party in contrast to the opposition always, which is made up of hardline elements.
After the government fell and the new government had not yet taken office, Bangladesh Riots were out of control attacking prisons, police stations, the residences of Awami League leaders, and violence against Hindus.
One of the prominent voices urging calm is Tarique Rahman, the leader of the BNP and the son of former prime minister Khaleda Zia.
“I urge the people of Bangladesh to exercise moderation and composure during this critical juncture in our democratic journey. It is our responsibility to defend all Bangladeshis against discriminating violence, regardless of their political or religious beliefs, and to refrain from persecuting any specific community, sowing discord, or pursuing revenge. He remarked, “Together, we are all proudly Bangladeshis. Muslims, Hindus, Christians, Buddhists, believers, and atheists – no one will be left behind or be prejudiced on our democratic path.”
Bangladesh Violence Against Hindus
According to the Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council, “The majority of the targets, 200–300 Hindu-owned residences and businesses, have been targeted since Monday”. Rana Dasgupta, The group’s general secretary stated that roughly fifteen to twenty Hindu temples had been destroyed and that about forty people had been injured in Bangladesh Violence against Hindus, but not significantly.
The community’s misdeeds began hours before Sheikh Hasina’s resignation. Even in the absence of fatalities, there is injury. He claimed that minorities’ houses and places of business, particularly those owned by Hindus, had been targeted, robbed, and destroyed.
According to Avirup Sarkar, a development specialist located in Dhaka, his cousin resides in Netrokona, which is roughly 100 kilometres away from Dhaka. Sheikh Hasina contacted Mr Sarkar a few hours after she left the nation. “She sounded really afraid. She said that a mob had broken into and looted the house,” he told the BBC.
The 100 individuals brandishing sticks assaulted the residence, smashing doors, TVs, furniture, and bathroom fixtures, according to Mr Sarkar’s cousin. They had also taken jewellery and cash. There were no assaults in the residence by them.
“You belong to the Awami League as descendants. You are the reason this country is in such horrible shape. The residents were yelled at by the mob, “You should leave the country,” as reported by the BBC.
Bangladesh violence: Journalists, Artists Targeted
According to local media, Pradip Kumar Bhowmik, a journalist for Daily Khoborpatra, passed away during an attack by a crowd on the Rayganj Press Club in Sirajganj. Three additional journalists were also injured. The Daily Star revealed that assaults on journalists resulted in injuries to a total of twenty-five people nationwide. They’re Muslim by the majority.
A turbulent mob in Dhanmondi, Dhaka, attacked singer Rahul Ananda of Bangladesh and set fire to his furniture and musical instruments. His relatives were able to flee the assault. Rahul Ananda sings for the folk band Joler Gaan, who have posted a video of their most recent recording in the now-demolished room and questioned the “fire of rage and revenge”.
Muslims Join Hindus In Guarding Temples
Muslims and Hindus were staffing the halls of worship when a Dhaka Tribune reporter visited three temples amid rumours that minorities and temples were being targeted.
Local Raj Ghosh said, “The temple is guarded by both Muslim and Hindu neighbours,” at the Dhakeshwari National Temple. Some have taken advantage of this temple for their benefit. They have forced us out of the temple, even though we respect the hard work they put into developing it.”
Rafid Azad, a student at Dhaka University, is standing watch at the Ramna Kali Temple. He said that several groups are covering the shrine in shifts.
He responded, “We have seen examples of many countries where, when a regime fails, some people spot an opportunity,” when asked who was behind the attacks on temples. It is unclear exactly who is assaulting the temples. Whoever is responsible for this is acting horribly.”
He stated that freedom of expression and religion should be protected by the incoming administration. “Obviously, we do not want a bigoted government, we want a government for everyone.”
“You are our brothers, do not fear” and “Bangladesh is for all of us” are two posters that hang outside the ISKCON Swamibagh temple, where there are no security personnel. “There is no reason for fear in this area because we have good relations with everyone,” ISKCON member Durlav Harinam Das stated to the Dhaka Tribune.
India on Bangladesh Situation
The government has stated that New Delhi places a high priority on ensuring the safety of minorities in Bangladesh. The External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, told the Parliament yesterday that India is “deeply concerned” about the issue of Bangladesh violence, particularly about the minority community.
“We are keeping an eye on the minority status situation. There are accounts of actions taken to guarantee their safety and welfare by several organizations and groups. We applaud that, but until law and order is restored, we will naturally continue to be quite concerned,” he stated.
The safety of Indian people who are now in Bangladesh is also a focus. Approximately 19,000 Indian nationals, including 9,000 students, reside in Bangladesh, according to the minister.
Since the student demonstrations against Sheikh Hasina gained momentum, the majority of students have returned. There are currently a lot more Indians coming back. This morning, a chartered flight operated by Air India returned with 205 Indians, six of them were infants.