The historic house of former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, which held personal and Liberation War memories, has been attacked and destroyed. Additionally, homes of her relatives and party leaders across the country have also come under attack. Despite attacks being carried out with prior announcements on social media, the country’s interim government has failed to stop the destruction. Human Rights Watch stated this in a statement issued on February 5 in response to the incidents.
The statement mentioned that Sheikh Hasina’s nearly 15-year rule came to an end last August.
Human Rights Watch noted that Bangladesh has a long history of political violence, and falling into the same cycle again would not be a wise decision.
Meanwhile, the interim government led by Dr. Muhammad Yunus has begun reforms in various institutions, including the judiciary of Bangladesh. Their priority list includes ensuring accountability for human rights violations and corruption, as well as implementing commitments for free and fair elections. However, the government’s various measures are increasing instability among other political parties, students, and families affected in July-August. While they have been accused of failing to protect minorities, the government claims these allegations are false propaganda. However, it cannot be firmly stated that they have succeeded in assuring the security of minorities, including the Hindu community.
The statement further mentioned that a session of the United Nations Human Rights Council is scheduled to take place in March. To improve the overall situation in Bangladesh, the interim government should present a joint proposal calling for an investigation and monitoring under the supervision of UN experts.
Notably, anarchy is increasing at an alarming rate. Dead bodies are being found here and there every day. Under the patronage of the Yunus government, leaders of the anti-discrimination movement and militants released from prison are openly announcing and carrying out attacks on the homes of Awami League leaders and innocent people. They have demolished and vandalized historical sites related to Bangladesh’s creation, following Pakistan’s blueprint. These terrorists have destroyed, looted, and ransacked the houses of Bangladesh’s founding leader Bangabandhu, former presidents, ministers, MPs, army chiefs, and police officials.