Far-right spreads false claims about Muslim attacks in Bangladesh

In the wake of political upheaval in Bangladesh, where Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina recently fled to India following student-led protests that resulted in over 400 deaths, claims of a "Hindu genocide" have surfaced online. Proponents of this narrative have circulated videos and posts alleging attacks on Hindu temples, asserting that these incidents are part of a broader campaign against Hindus by Muslims. However, investigations reveal that many of these claims are misleading or outright false. One viral post purportedly showing a temple being set ablaze was clarified by local sources, including Swapan Das, a temple staff member, who stated that the incident involved an attack on an Awami League office, not a religiously motivated assault. Reports indicate that the violence was not driven by religious animosity, with eyewitnesses noting that both Hindus and Muslims were involved in the altercations. Notably, figures like Tommy Robinson have amplified these unverified claims, framing the situation as a genocide against Hindus. However, local accounts suggest that the majority of Hindu families and temples in the area remained unaffected by the unrest. The situation has been further complicated by the deaths of over 50 Muslim Awami League leaders, highlighting the multifaceted nature of the violence. Community leaders, such as Moinul, have urged caution against the viral posts, emphasizing that they aim to incite conflict between Hindus and Muslims. He reassured that the local population is not succumbing to these divisive narratives, advocating for unity amidst the chaos.