August 10th 2024.
In Bangladesh, members of minority communities have been facing a disturbing number of attacks since the fall of the Sheikh Hasina-led government on August 5th. According to two Hindu organizations in the country, there have been at least 205 incidents of violence in 52 districts. These shocking numbers were presented in an open letter to Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, who was recently sworn in as the head of an interim government. The letter was submitted by the Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council and the Bangladesh Puja Udjapan Parishad on Friday, as reported by The Daily Star newspaper.
The data revealed that the attacks on minority groups have been ongoing since Monday, when 76-year-old Hasina resigned and fled to India amidst widespread protests against her government's controversial quota system in jobs. Nirmal Rosario, one of the three presidents of the unity council, expressed deep concern over the state of affairs and called for immediate protection for the vulnerable communities. He shared that they have been living in constant fear and have resorted to guarding their homes and temples at night. This level of violence is unprecedented and demands swift action from the government to restore communal harmony in the country.
Rosario emphasized the urgency of the situation and urged Yunus to prioritize resolving the crisis and putting an end to the violence. In their letter, the leaders of the two organizations welcomed Yunus as the leader of a new era, brought about by the recent student-led protests that aimed to bring about reform and create a more equitable society. However, they also expressed sadness and concern over a certain group that is trying to undermine this achievement by targeting minority communities with brutal violence.
The ongoing communal attacks have caused widespread fear, anxiety, and uncertainty among minority groups in Bangladesh, and have even received international condemnation. The letter demanded an immediate end to this situation, highlighting the urgency of the matter. Kajal Devnath, a member of the unity council, stressed the need for justice for those responsible for the attacks. He made it clear that any form of violence, whether for political reasons or otherwise, is unacceptable. While it is crucial to hold those who commit crimes accountable, burning homes and looting will not lead to justice.
The current situation has forced many members of the Hindu community to seek refuge in the homes of others, as shared by Devnath who himself is staying at a friend's house. On Friday, Yunus announced the portfolios of his 16-member council of advisors after being sworn in as the chief advisor, a position equivalent to that of a prime minister. He responded to the call of student protesters for him to temporarily lead the country after weeks of deadly anti-government demonstrations. The interim government's top priority at the moment is to restore law and order, as stated by Foreign Affairs advisor Hossain. Once this is achieved, they can focus on getting the country back on track.
Even the United Nations has weighed in on the matter, with Deputy Spokesperson Farhan Haq stating that they stand against any racially motivated attacks or incitement to violence. This comes after the death toll in Bangladesh rose to 560 since the anti-quota protests began in mid-July. The violence has claimed the lives of over 230 people, and has also resulted in the destruction of Hindu temples, homes, and businesses. Women have been assaulted, and two Hindu leaders affiliated with the ruling Awami League party have lost their lives in the chaos that ensued after Hasina's departure. The situation demands immediate attention and effective measures to bring an end to the violence and restore peace in the country.
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