Bangladesh Hindu Protest
Dhaka: Amid the changing political situation in Bangladesh, widespread violence has been witnessed against Hindus. Meanwhile, thousands of people from the minority Hindu community have staged massive protests in Bangladesh’s capital Dhaka and the northeastern port city of Chittagong. They have demanded security amid attacks on temples, their homes and businesses across the country. Those involved in the protest are demanding the establishment of special tribunals to expedite prosecution of those who persecute minorities, 10 percent parliamentary seats for minorities, implementation of minority protection law, among others.
Attacks on Hindus
Traffic was blocked for more than three hours at Shahbagh in central Dhaka on Saturday due to a rally of Hindu protesters. Thousands of Muslim protesters, including students, also joined them here and expressed solidarity for the cause of minorities. Bangladeshi Hindus have borne the brunt of violence and looting after Sheikh Hasina resigned from the post of Prime Minister and fled to India on Monday. Many Hindu temples, houses and business establishments have been vandalized. Not only this, at least two Hindu leaders associated with the Awami League party of former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina have been killed in the violence.
Increased violence against minorities
Media reports have highlighted rising cases of violence against minorities. According to the ‘Dhaka Tribune’ newspaper, Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Oikya Parishad, a leading organization advocating the rights of minorities, has issued an open letter to Chief Advisor Dr. Muhammad Yunus, detailing 205 incidents of harassment in 52 districts since the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government on August 5. The protesters have put forward an eight-point demand list. This includes the establishment of special tribunals to expedite trials against those who persecute minorities, compensation to the victims and immediate implementation of the Minority Protection Act. (Language)
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