Bangladesh: Hindus Stage Massive Protests In Dhaka, Chattagram Demanding Protection Amid Violence

Hindu community members in Bangladesh protested in Dhaka and Chattagram, demanding protection amid nationwide vandalism targeting temples, households, and businesses.

Hundreds of Bangladeshi Hindus gathered for the second consecutive day of protests demanding protection amid a wave of nationwide vandalism targeting temples, households, and businesses. 

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Thousands of members of the minority Hindu community staged large-scale protest rallies in Bangladesh's capital, Dhaka, and the north-eastern port city of Chattagram on Saturday. This marked the second consecutive day of demonstrations demanding protection amid a wave of nationwide vandalism targeting temples, households, and businesses. 

The protesters, calling for the establishment of special tribunals to expedite trials against those who persecute minorities, also demanded the allocation of 10 per cent of parliamentary seats for minorities and the enactment of a minority protection law.

The rally in Dhaka's central Shahbagh area blocked traffic for over three hours, news agency PTI reported.

সংখ্যালঘু সম্প্রদায়ের ওপর হামলার প্রতিবাদে শাহবাগে বিক্ষোভ

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দেশের বিভিন্ন জেলায় সংখ্যালঘু সম্প্রদায়ের ওপর হামলা, বসতভিটা ভাঙচুর ও অগ্নিসংযোগের প্রতিবাদে রাজধানীর শাহবাগে বিক্ষোভ সমাবেশ করেন বিভিন্ন সংগঠনের ব্যনারে ছাত্র-জনতা। শুক্রবার বিকেলে এই বিক্ষোভ শুরু… pic.twitter.com/NrxbNSD9d8

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Muslim protestors, including students, joined the demonstrations, expressing solidarity with the minority communities who have borne the brunt of the violence and destruction following the resignation of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who fled to India on Monday. The violence has led to the vandalisation of several Hindu temples, homes, and businesses, and the killing of at least two Hindu leaders affiliated with Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League party.

Media reports have highlighted increasing cases of violence against minorities, including the massive vandalism at the residence of Rahul Ananda, frontman of the popular folk band Joler Gaan, on Monday. The attack forced the singer and his family into hiding.

Bangladesh Violence: Organisation For Minority Rights Issues Open Letter To Muhammad Yunus

The Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Oikya Parishad, a prominent organisation advocating for minority rights, issued an open letter to Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus, detailing 205 incidents of persecution across 52 districts since the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government on 5 August, according to The Dhaka Tribune. The protestors put forward an eight-point charter of demands, including the establishment of special tribunals for minority persecution cases, compensation for victims, and the immediate enactment of a minority protection law.

On Friday, demonstrators had already rallied at the same venue with a four-point demand, which included the formation of a ministry for minority communities, the establishment of a minority protection commission, the formulation and implementation of strict laws to prevent attacks on minorities, and the allocation of 10 per cent parliamentary seats for minorities.

The protestors carried banners with strong slogans such as “Save Minorities,” “We will not leave this country,” “None of us are free until all of us are free,” and “Who are you? Who am I? Bengali, Bengali!”

They urged the newly installed interim government of Nobel laureate Professor Yunus to take urgent steps to ensure the security of Hindu and other minority communities and called on the public, media, and authorities to support their cause. Social media posts have shown that students, including madrassa students, have been guarding Hindu temples and homes across the country amidst reports of a nearly dysfunctional police force since 5 August.

On Thursday, Dr Yunus assumed charge of the interim government in response to student demands. In his first address to the nation from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, he stated that restoring law and order would be his top priority. He reiterated this commitment soon after being sworn in as the Chief Adviser along with 16 other advisers, equivalent to the prime minister and ministers, respectively. Retired army officer Brigadier Shakhawat Hossain has been entrusted with the charge of the Home Ministry as an adviser.

Parishad president Nirmal Rosario presented the letter to Yunus at the Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU), stating, “We stay up all night guarding our homes and temples. I have never witnessed such events in my life. We demand that the administration restore communal harmony in the country.”

The open letter acknowledged Dr Yunus as “a symbol of a new era,” marked by significant student and public movements aimed at building an equal society. However, it also expressed deep sorrow and concern over the violent actions of certain groups against minorities, which have marred these achievements, as reported by The Dhaka Tribune.