An interim government has been formed in the neighboring country of Bangladesh. After violence erupted last Monday, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina had to resign from her position and leave the country. The violence saw many homes and temples of the Hindu community being targeted. India has expressed its concern and has urged Mohammad Yusuf, the head of the new interim government, to ensure the safety of Hindu minorities. Meanwhile, the Awami League has claimed in a social media post that Hindus have been protesting in Dhaka since August 5.
Sharing some pictures on social media platform X, Sheikh Hasina's party Awami League wrote, 'Hindus in Bangladesh have taken to the streets of Shahbagh in the capital Dhaka since August 5, protesting against attacks on their companions, properties, and places of worship. Indeed, sporadic attacks were occurring even at the height of the anti-reservation movement.
Hindu Community Takes to the Streets
Since the fall of the Awami League government, a large number of Hindu Bangladeshi citizens have taken to the streets of Dhaka to protest against the atrocities being committed against them. Hundreds of people marched to the Shahbagh intersection in the capital, chanting slogans for security, law and order, and a secular Bangladesh.
The protesters demanded that the government compensate those who have lost their properties and rebuild the demolished temples. They declared they would not leave the country and would stay on the streets to claim their rights. They thanked Jamaat-e-Islami, BNP, and those condemning the attacks on Hindus.
The UN Stands Against Racial Violence
In the midst of violence against the minority Hindu community in Bangladesh, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres' spokesperson stated that they are against any attack or violence based on race. Deputy Spokesman Farhan Haq said on Thursday, 'We have made it clear, we want to ensure that the violence that has been occurring in Bangladesh in recent weeks is calmed. Clearly, we are against any racially motivated attack or incitement to violence based on race.'
Multiple Hindu Temples Targeted in Violence
He was responding to a question about the Secretary-General's reaction to attacks on Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh. The violence that erupted in Bangladesh saw many Hindu temples, houses, and businesses being targeted. At least two Hindu leaders associated with former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's Awami League party were killed in the violence.
Media Exposes Numerous Attacks
After Hasina left the country, Bangladeshi media reports exposed numerous cases of violence against minorities. This included massive vandalism at the home of Rahul Anand, the leader of the popular folk band Joler Gaan, on Monday. The singer and his family were forced to hide after the attack. However, it was not only Hindus who were targeted. At least 232 people were killed in the violence that erupted in Bangladesh on Monday.
