In the student-led rebellion in August, following Sheikh Hasina’s fall, a wave of retribution against Hindus emerged, who were seen as her regime’s unequal supporters.
Under the leadership of Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, the caretaker government that succeeded Hasina has acknowledged and condemned attacks on Hindus, but in many instances stated that they were politically motivated rather than religiously inspired.
On Saturday, hundreds marched in the capital of Bangladesh demanding protection for Hindus and other minorities, claiming they have faced violence and threats since the ousting of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
Protests have been regularly demanding that attacks continue, urging Yunus’s administration to take action, implement democratic reforms, and establish a “council” responsible for holding new elections.
“It is very unfortunate that the council does not acknowledge the suffering of minorities,” said Hindu civic leader Charu Chandra Das. “I have witnessed atrocities against them—their temples, businesses, and homes have been destroyed.”
Protest organizers have called on the interim government to introduce legislation for the protection of minorities and to ensure a minimum representation of minorities in the government.
Tensions flared this week following the filing of treason charges against 19 participants in a minority rights rally in the port city of Chittagong. Allegations were made that they disrespected the national flag by raising a saffron flag—symbolic of Hinduism—above it.
Protester Chiranjan Goswami told AFP, “Falsely implicating our leaders on charges of treason has made us suspicious of the government’s intentions.”
In predominantly Muslim Bangladesh, Hindus comprise the largest minority community, making up about eight percent of the population.
There have also been reports of attacks on Sufi shrines, raising suspicions of Islamists trying to suppress alternative expressions of the Muslim faith.
This protest followed a similar rally in Chittagong, which saw 10,000 participants just a day prior.
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