On Tuesday, members of Bangladesh’s Hindu community staged a protest in Dhaka amid escalating unrest. The demonstrations come in the wake of anti-Hindu violence that has plagued the country since last week’s political upheaval. The unrest began after the ousting of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and the collapse of her Awami League government, following a month-long student-led uprising.
Scuffle with the Bangladesh Army
#WATCH | Bangladesh: Members of the minority Hindu community hold a protest outside Jamuna State Guest House in Dhaka, where Bangladesh interim govt chief Muhammad Yunus is residing. The protestors are holding posters of their family members who went missing during the incidents… pic.twitter.com/uesXUhFJMW
— ANI (@ANI) August 13, 2024
The protest took place outside Dhaka’s Jamuna State Guest House, where Nobel laureate Muhammed Yunus, the leader of the interim government, is currently staying. A brief scuffle erupted between the demonstrators, who were holding posters of missing family members, and Bangladesh Army soldiers stationed to guard the guest house.
Yunus’s Visit and Remarks
Earlier in the day, Yunus visited the historic Dhakeshwari Temple in Dhaka. During his visit, Yunus assured the Hindu community of their safety and urged unity among all citizens. He emphasized that rights should be equal for everyone and cautioned against sectarian divisions.
“Rights are equal for everyone. We are all one people with the same rights. Please assist us and exercise patience,” Yunus stated, according to The Daily Star. He further remarked that the root of current issues lies in the decay of institutional arrangements and stressed the need for reforms.
Impact and International Reaction
Hindus constitute around 8% of Bangladesh’s population, making them the largest minority group in the country. The recent anti-Hindu violence has sparked condemnation from India and some Indian-origin lawmakers in the US, drawing international attention to the situation.
Conclusion
The scuffle in Dhaka highlights the heightened tensions and ongoing unrest in Bangladesh. As the interim government navigates these challenges, the situation remains fluid, with calls for both national and international support to address the violence and political instability.