Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi: Scores of Hindu temples, homes, and businesses in Bangladesh have come under attack following the ousting of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, according to reports from community associations. Despite appeals from leaders of the movement that toppled the Awami League government, urging people not to target the Hindu minority, concerns for their safety have heightened. Encouragingly, some Muslims have joined Hindus in protecting temples.
Hindus make up nearly 8% of Bangladesh’s 170 million population and have traditionally supported Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League due to her strong ties with India and the party’s secular stance compared to the hardline opposition.
In the wake of the government’s collapse and the transition to new leadership, mobs have wreaked havoc, targeting police stations, prisons, Awami League leaders’ homes, and Hindu establishments.
Calls for Restraint
BNP leader Tarique Rahman, son of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, has called for calm. “I call upon the people of Bangladesh to display restraint and calm in this transitional moment. It is our duty to protect all Bangladeshis from discriminatory violence and not to harass any particular community,” Rahman stated in a post on X.
Widespread Attacks
The Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council reported that 200-300 homes and businesses, primarily owned by Hindus, have been attacked since Monday. About 15-20 Hindu temples have been vandalized, and around 40 people injured, though not seriously, according to the organization’s general secretary, Rana Dasgupta.
Dhaka-based development professional Avirup Sarkar recounted his cousin’s ordeal in Netrokona, where a mob of 100 people armed with sticks stormed her house, looted valuables, and caused extensive damage.
Journalists and Artists Targeted
Journalists have also been victims of the violence. Pradip Kumar Bhowmik, a journalist with Daily Khoborpatra, died following an assault during a mob attack on Rayganj Press Club in Sirajganj. In total, 25 journalists were injured in various attacks across the country, The Daily Star reported.
In Dhaka’s Dhanmondi, a mob attacked the ancestral house of Bangladeshi singer Rahul Ananda, burning musical instruments and furniture. His family managed to escape.
Community Solidarity
Despite the turmoil, some communities have shown solidarity. Dhaka Tribune reported that Muslims and Hindus are jointly guarding several temples. At Dhakeshwari National Temple, locals of both faiths are standing guard, setting an example of unity.
Rafid Azad, a Dhaka University student, emphasized the need for a government that ensures fundamental rights and freedom of speech. Meanwhile, at ISKCON Swamibag temple, posters of unity reassure residents that “Bangladesh is for all of us.”
India’s Response
The Indian government has expressed deep concern over the situation in Bangladesh, particularly regarding the safety of minorities. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, addressing the Parliament, emphasized that India is closely monitoring the situation and is in continuous contact with the Indian community in Bangladesh.
India has also focused on the safety of its nationals in Bangladesh. With about 19,000 Indians residing there, many are now returning. An Air India chartered flight recently brought back 205 Indians, including six infants.
The political instability in Bangladesh has not only endangered its minorities but also disrupted trade and everyday life. As the country navigates this turbulent period, the hope is for a swift restoration of peace and order.
