Atrocities against Hindus have increased in Bangladesh since Sheikh Hasina resigned as Prime Minister and fled the country on August 5. Hundreds of people protested against this in Dhaka on Saturday. The protesters gathered from different parts of the country stressed that this country belongs to everyone and demanded steps to protect Hindus.
They raised slogans, “This country does not belong to anyone’s father. We have given blood. If needed, we will give blood again. We will not leave Bangladesh.” They also expressed their displeasure at the members of the civil society for remaining silent during the violence against Hindus.
The Times of India quoted Kanu Kumar, a rally participant, as saying that Hindus want protection of their homes and religious establishments. The protesters have demanded a ministry for minority communities and a minority security commission. They have also demanded strict laws to prevent attacks against minorities and their implementation. They also demanded reservation of 10% seats for minorities in Parliament.
The Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Oikya Parishad on Friday said there have been 205 incidents of harassment of members of minority communities in 52 of the country’s 64 districts since Sheikh Hasina was ousted from power. In an open letter to interim leader Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, the organisation said there is deep fear, anxiety and uncertainty among minorities across the country.
Bangladesh should stop attacks on Hindus: United Nations
The United Nations has also expressed concern over the targeting of the minority Hindu community in Bangladesh. The global body said on Thursday that it is against any kind of racially based attack or incitement to violence. Farhan Haq, Deputy Spokesperson of UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, said, “We want the violence in Bangladesh to be controlled.” He was also questioned about the request made to the United Nations to be a part of the investigation into the killings in Bangladesh. On this, he said that the United Nations will look into what kind of formal request it receives from the new government.
On the appointment of Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus as the chief advisor of the interim government, Antonio Guterres’ deputy spokesperson Farhan Haq said, “We are keeping our hopes alive. Any sign of peace restoration is a good thing.” When asked if Secretary-General Guterres congratulated Yunus, Haq denied it but said that UN’s resident coordinator in Bangladesh, Gwyn Lewis, had attended the swearing-in ceremony.
