Hindu Leaders Report Attacks in Bangladesh
- Bangladesh Hindu leaders reported 278 attacks on 278 locations since Hasina fled.
- The attacks raise concerns about the safety and security of Hindu communities in Bangladesh.
- The violence highlights the pressing issue of religious persecution in the country.
In a press conference coinciding with Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus's outreach to the Hindu community at Dhakeshwari Temple, concerns over escalating violence against Hindus were highlighted. Yunus, who assumed the role of Chief Advisor of the interim government on August 8, urged the community to remain patient regarding the government's response to their plight. The spokesperson for the Alliance, Palash Kanti Dey, reported that the Hindu community has faced vandalism, looting, and threats across 278 locations in 48 districts, attributing these incidents to the shifting political landscape. Dey expressed frustration over the lack of action from political parties over the past 24 years regarding their demands for protection and rights. He conveyed that the Home Affairs Advisor, Brigadier General (Retd) M Sakhawat Hussain, has promised to address these issues in the upcoming cabinet meeting. Alliance President Prabhas Chandra Roy lamented that Hindus are often the first targets during political upheavals, asserting their rights as citizens of Bangladesh. The press conference followed the submission of seven demands to the interim government, including a judicial inquiry into recent attacks, the establishment of a minority protection act, and the restoration of damaged temples and homes at public expense. Reports from two Hindu organizations indicated at least 205 incidents of violence against minority communities since the fall of the Sheikh Hasina-led government on August 5. Yunus emphasized the importance of unity and equal rights for all citizens, urging the community to support the interim government while holding it accountable.