Hindu leader arrested while demanding minority protection in Bangladesh

In Bangladesh, police arrested Krishna Das Prabhu, a prominent Hindu leader, at Dhaka's main airport while he was en route to Chattogram. His arrest follows a series of rallies he organized to demand safety and security for Hindus in a country where they are a minority. The climate for Hindus has become increasingly precarious since the political unrest earlier in August, when former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina fled the country amid mass protests. Authorities have downplayed the risks to the Hindu community, stating that claims of threats have been exaggerated, while leaders in the interim government perceive these rallies as disturbances to stability and an attempt to restore Hasina's rule. Following Prabhu's arrest, gatherings by his supporters erupted in protests demanding his release, which has resulted in clashes with armed groups opposing them, showcasing the growing tensions regarding minority rights in Bangladesh.