New Delhi: Thousands of Bangladeshi Hindus took to the streets of Dhaka on Friday to protest a series of violent attacks and temple vandalizations following the recent political upheaval in the country. The unrest began after Sheikh Hasinas government fell earlier this week amid significant student protests.Wave of violence against HindusIn the wake of Sheikh Hasinas departure to India, reports of widespread looting and targeted attacks on Hindu communities have emerged. Videos circulating on social media show large crowds holding posters and chanting slogans such as Who are we Bengali, Bengali, demanding protection for minorities.#Breaking: #Bangladesh #Hindus have taken to the streets in #Shahbagh #Dhaka to protest the attacks on their person, properties, and places of worship since Aug 5. In fact, the attacks were sporadically taking place even during the peak of #violence centering the #QuotaMovement. pic.twitter.com/XqCGk0OYdC— Bangladesh Watch (@bdwatch2024) August 9, 2024Protests soar from Dhaka to ChittagongProtesters blocked a major intersection in Dhaka, chanting Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna and calling for peace. Hasinas Awami League shared videos of the protests on X, highlighting the Hindus demands for safety and justice.Thousands of people gather in Chittagong to protest against the brutal violent attacks on Bangladeshi Hindus.Chittagong, Bangladesh: Protests by Hindu community over the violent attacks pic.twitter.com/j4QN1UXi47— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) August 10, 2024Scale of the violenceSince the fall of the Awami League government on August 5, the situation has deteriorated rapidly. Over 230 people have been reported dead, and many others injured. Incidents of violence have included the killing of a school teacher and two Hindu councillors, as well as the vandalization and arson of an ISKCON temple in Meherpur, located in the Khulna division.Exodus and border crossingsFearing for their safety, hundreds of Bangladeshi Hindus have attempted to flee to India. Bangladesh shares a nearly 4,096 km long land and riverine border with India, making it a viable escape route for many seeking refuge.Communal violence spreads to at least 52The Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council has reported that communal violence has affected at least 52 of the countrys 64 districts. The council has called upon Nobel Peace laureate Muhammad Yunus, who recently assumed the role of head of an interim government, to ensure the protection and welfare of minorities. In an open letter, the council expressed deep apprehension, anxiety, and uncertainty among the minority communities.Yusuf vows stringent action against those breaking lawIn his first address to the nation, Yunus warned that those inciting chaos would face stringent actions from law enforcement agencies. Meanwhile, the Indian government has expressed concern over the situation and is closely monitoring developments. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) emphasized that various initiatives are being undertaken by groups and organizations in Bangladesh to safeguard minorities.
