Hundreds protest in Dhaka over violence against Hindus in Bangladesh
Dhaka/IBNS: The turmoil in Bangladesh is far from ending with hundreds of people protesting in the capital Dhaka on Friday against violence targeting the country's minority Hindus since former prime minister Sheikh Hasina quit and fled the country earlier this week, according to a Reuters report.
A school teacher was killed, as per Reuters and many were injured as homes, businesses, and temples of Hindus in Muslim-majority Bangladesh were targeted and vandalised following Hasina's resignation on Monday, who then escaped to India.
On Friday, protesters were seen carrying posters demanding Bangladeshi minorities be "saved" and chanted slogans of "who are we, Bengali Bengali" and appealed for peace as they blocked an intersection in the capital on Friday.
Hindus, who make up about 8% of Bangladesh's population of 170 million, have traditionally supported Hasina's Awami League party.
The Awami League Party has incurred people's anger after violent clashes between anti-quota protesters and security forces last month.
Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council estimates at least 52 of the country's 64 districts have been impacted by communal violence since Aug 5.
The council sought the help of Muhammad Yunus, the Nobel Peace Prize-winning economist who took charge as head of an interim government on Thursday.
"There is deep apprehension, anxiety and uncertainty among minorities across the country," the council said in an open letter on Friday.
UN wants racial violence 'be tamped down' in Bangladesh
Meanwhile, the office of the United Nations Secretary-General has said the violence in Bangladesh should be "tamped down", adding it stands against any "racially based attacks" or "racially based incitement to violence".
"What we've made clear is we want to make sure that the violence that has been occurring in Bangladesh in recent weeks is tamped down. Certainly, we stand against any racially based attacks or racially based incitement to violence," Farhan Haq, Deputy Spokesperson for the Secretary-General, said here on Thursday.
Thousands of Bangladeshi Hindus have been trying to flee to neighbouring India to escape the violence.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also appealed for the "safety and protection" of Hindus and Bangladesh's other minorities in a message on X on Thursday as he congratulated Muhammad Yunus on taking charge of the caretaker government.
My best wishes to Professor Muhammad Yunus on the assumption of his new responsibilities. We hope for an early return to normalcy, ensuring the safety and protection of Hindus and all other minority communities. India remains committed to working with Bangladesh to fulfill the…
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 8, 2024
IBNS
Senior Staff Reporter at Northeast Herald, covering news from Tripura and Northeast India.
Related Articles
Nepal: Bodies of two missing Indian tourists recovered
The bodies of two Indian tourists, who went missing on October 20, have been recovered from Nepal's Manang district, local media reports said.
Bangladesh busts massive Pakistan shipment hiding 25 tonnes of banned poppy seeds
Bangladeshi customs officials have seized a 32-tonne shipment from Pakistan after it was found to contain 25 tonnes of banned poppy seeds, local media reported.
From Blacklist to White House: Syrian leader Ahmad al-Sharaa arrives in US to meet Donald Trump
Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa, who was recently removed by the US from the “terrorist” sanctions list, arrived in Washington DC on Saturday.
From army chief to defence supremo: Pakistan’s big power move for Asim Munir
In a major development that could reshape Pakistan’s military hierarchy, the country on Saturday reportedly passed the 27th Constitutional Amendment, paving the way for Army Chief General Asim Munir to assume the newly created post of Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), a powerful position designed to unify command among the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
Latest News
ISIS terror plot busted: Police arrest doctor with 'Chinese medical degree', 2 others from Gujarat
Nepal: Bodies of two missing Indian tourists recovered
Tripura : BJP holds party meeting in presence of CM, top leaders
Bangladesh busts massive Pakistan shipment hiding 25 tonnes of banned poppy seeds
