Lakhs of Hindus Rally Across Bangladesh Amid Escalating Violence Post Sheikh Hasina’s Resignation

New Delhi, August 11, 2024:
In the wake of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s resignation and subsequent departure to India, Bangladesh has witnessed a surge in violence against its minority Hindu community. Since August 5, over 205 incidents of attacks have been reported across 52 districts, with hundreds of Hindus injured and numerous homes and businesses targeted.

The unrest has spurred lakhs of Hindus to take to the streets in massive protests on Saturday, demanding protection and justice. The rallies, held in Bangladesh’s capital Dhaka and the second-largest city Chittagong, saw widespread participation, with protesters blocking key intersections and calling for immediate government intervention.

In Dhaka, the Shahbagh intersection was the epicenter of the protests, where members of the Hindu community, supported by thousands of Muslim students and activists, demanded special tribunals to expedite trials against perpetrators of violence. The demonstrators also called for a 10 percent allocation of parliamentary seats for minorities and the enactment of a minority protection law.

The violence has not spared religious sites, with several Hindu temples vandalized, and at least two Hindu leaders affiliated with Hasina’s Awami League party killed. The situation has forced thousands of Hindus to flee to neighboring India in search of safety.

In Chittagong, a massive rally at the historic Cheragi Pahar Square drew over seven lakh participants, further underscoring the gravity of the situation. The unrest has also sparked international concern, with demonstrations in support of Bangladesh’s minorities held in the United States and the United Kingdom.

Adding to the crisis, the popular Indian restaurant ‘Santoor’ in Dhaka was vandalized and set ablaze on Saturday, marking a significant escalation in the attacks.

In response to the ongoing violence, Bangladesh’s interim leader Muhammad Yunus condemned the attacks as “heinous” and urged unity among the nation’s communities. Addressing the protesters, the Nobel laureate emphasized the importance of protecting minority families, stating, “Are they not the people of this country? You have been able to save the country; can’t you save some families? You must say – no one can harm them. They are my brothers; we fought together, and we will stay together.”

As the situation remains tense, the international community watches closely, urging Bangladesh to restore peace and ensure the safety of all its citizens.