Bangladesh’s interim leader, Muhammad Yunus, has scheduled a meeting with Hindu students and youth leaders on Monday, August 12, to discuss the recent surge in attacks against religious minorities in the country. The meeting aims to address the protection of the Hindu community and to find solutions to the ongoing crisis in Bangladesh. Yunus, who assumed office as the head of the interim government on August 3, has condemned the attacks on minorities, describing them as “heinous” and emphasizing the need for unity.
Violence Against Minorities Sparks Concern
The meeting comes in response to reports of widespread violence targeting Hindus and other minorities since the fall of the Sheikh Hasina-led government on August 5. As the largest minority group in Bangladesh, Hindus have faced at least 205 incidents of attacks across 52 districts. In a statement released on Sunday, the Yunus-led interim Cabinet expressed “grave concern” over these attacks and announced plans to engage with representatives from minority groups to resolve the situation.
Hindu Students Present 8-Point Demand Charter
Ahead of the meeting, Hindu students have prepared an eight-point demand charter, which includes calls for the establishment of special tribunals to expedite trials of those persecuting minorities, compensation for victims, and the enactment of a minority protection law. Additional demands include the allocation of 10 percent of parliamentary seats for minorities, the creation of a ministry of minority affairs, a five-day holiday during Durga Puja, upgrading the Hindu Religious Welfare Trust to a foundation, and modernizing the Pali Education Board.
Protests by Hindus and Other Minorities
On Sunday, August 11, Hindus and other minority groups, under the banner of the ‘Bangladesh Hindu, Buddha, Christian Unity Group,’ held a large protest rally against the attacks following Sheikh Hasina’s resignation. Protesters carried placards with messages like “Save Bangladeshi Hindu Society” and “Save Hindus,” while waving both the Bangladeshi national flag and a saffron flag depicting Lord Ram with “Jai Shri Ram” written on it. The rally highlighted the ongoing struggle for safety and recognition among minority communities in Bangladesh.