Lagatar24 Desk
Dhaka: Following the resignation of Sheikh Hasina as Prime Minister, Bangladesh has plunged into chaos, resulting in widespread violence against the Hindu community. In just three days, starting from August 5, there have been over 200 reported attacks on Hindus, with at least five fatalities and numerous cases of sexual assault. Historically a minority in Muslim-majority Bangladesh, Hindus have often been soft targets, but the scale of recent violence is unprecedented.
For several days, there was an absence of law enforcement in the country, as police officers refrained from reporting to duty after mobs lynched dozens of their colleagues. This lack of security provided an opportunity for those harboring anti-Hindu sentiments to launch targeted attacks.
Anupam Debashis Roy, a Bangladeshi author and activist, remarked on the persistent communal tensions in the country, stating, “Communal sentiments have always been present in Bangladesh. There are individuals who seize any opportunity to attack minorities, particularly Hindus.”
The violence has not been confined to any single area. While Chattogram saw the highest number of attacks, rural areas bore the brunt, with widespread incidents of arson, assault, looting, and property encroachment. Temples, particularly Iskcon and Durga temples, were among the primary targets.
Despite the severity of these attacks, fake videos and misinformation circulating on social media have complicated the situation, leading to confusion and hindering the path to justice. However, the Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council has documented 205 instances of attacks, underscoring the gravity of the situation.
The Hindu community has taken to the streets in protest, demanding protection and justice. The interim government, led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, has attempted to reassure the community, but skepticism remains. With law enforcement still largely absent and the clock ticking on gathering evidence, the prospect of justice seems increasingly uncertain.
