Bangladesh: 30,000 Hindus Gather for a Large Rally, Demanding Protection from Violent Attacks
Image Source: The Hans India
On Friday, tens of thousands of Hindus in Bangladesh rallied to urge the interim government to safeguard them from a surge of attacks and harassment, while also calling for the withdrawal of sedition charges against Hindu leaders. Around 30,000 protesters gathered at a main intersection in Chattogram, chanting for their rights under the watch of police and soldiers. Similar protests took place across the country. Hindu groups report thousands of attacks on their community since early August, following the toppling of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s secular government in a student-led movement, after which Hasina left the country. Interim government leader and Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus has disputed these figures, suggesting they are inflated.
Hindus represent roughly 8% of Bangladesh’s population of nearly 170 million, with Muslims comprising around 91%. The Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council, a prominent minority group, has claimed over 2,000 attacks on Hindus since August 4, amid the interim government’s challenges in maintaining order. Global bodies, including UN human rights officials and other organizations, have voiced concern over Bangladesh’s human rights situation under Yunus’s leadership.
Minority communities, including Hindus, say the interim government has not provided adequate protection, while hardline Islamist groups have gained influence since Hasina’s ouster. The issue has drawn international attention, with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressing concern over the reported violence. In the U.S., President Joe Biden’s administration is closely monitoring Bangladesh’s human rights situation, and presidential candidate Donald Trump has condemned the “barbaric” violence against minorities.
On social media platform X, Trump stated, “I strongly condemn the barbaric violence against Hindus, Christians, and other minorities who are being attacked and looted by mobs in Bangladesh, which is in a state of chaos.” Hindu activists have held protests in Dhaka and other cities since August, pressing eight demands, including a law and a ministry to protect minorities, a tribunal for prosecuting crimes against them, and a five-day holiday for Durga Puja.
Friday’s rally in Chattogram was swiftly organized following sedition charges filed on Wednesday against 19 Hindu leaders, including well-known priest Chandan Kumar Dhar, for a rally held on October 25. Two leaders were arrested, intensifying community anger. These charges arose from an incident where a saffron flag was reportedly raised above the Bangladesh flag, considered an offense against the national symbol. Hindu leaders argue the charges are politically driven and have demanded their withdrawal within 72 hours. Another Hindu rally is planned for Saturday in Dhaka.
In a related development, supporters of Hasina’s Awami League and its allied Jatiya Party claim they too have been targeted since Hasina’s departure. On Thursday, the Jatiya Party’s headquarters was vandalized and set on fire.
On Friday, Jatiya Party Chair G.M. Quader announced his supporters would continue to rally for their rights despite the risks, with plans for a protest in Dhaka on Saturday against rising prices and alleged false charges. Later that day, the Dhaka Metropolitan Police banned rallies near the Jatiya Party headquarters. In response, the Jatiya Party postponed its protest out of respect for the law and announced that a new date would be set. The police decision followed criticism from a student group that had initially threatened to block the event.
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- Aryan Gulati is a dedicated media student based in Meerut with a wealth of experience in various newspapers and media houses. He has numerous published articles and specializes in political and crime news writing, demonstrating a strong commitment to impactful journalism.
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