New Delhi:
Following Sheikh Hasina’s removal as prime minister, a number of Hindu temples, businesses, and temples in Bangladesh have been attacked by armed mobs, a community group reports. There have been worries expressed regarding the safety of the Hindu minority, despite appeals from the leaders of the movement that overthrew the Awami League administration not to attack them. Positively, there are voices speaking out for Hindus, and Muslims and Hindus are manning several temples jointly.
Approximately 8% of Bangladesh’s 17 million inhabitants are Hindu, and a sizable portion of this minority has long supported Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League. This is because the Awami League has portrayed itself as a primarily secular party in contrast to the opposition, which is made up of hardline elements, and Sheikh Hasina has close relations to India.
After the government fell and the new government has not yet taken office, rioters are out of control and attacking prisons, police stations, the residences of Awami League leaders, and Hindu establishments.
One of the prominent voices urging calm is Tarique Rahman, the leader of the BNP and the son of former prime minister Khaleda Zia.
“I urge the people of Bangladesh to exercise moderation and composure during this critical juncture in our democratic journey. It is our responsibility to defend all Bangladeshis against discriminating violence, regardless of their political or religious beliefs, and to refrain from persecuting any specific community, sowing discord, or pursuing revenge. He remarked, “Together, we are all proudly Bangladeshis. Muslims, Hindus, Christians, Buddhists, believers, and atheists – no one will be left behind or be prejudiced on our democratic path.”
Muslims and Hindus Together Protect Temples.
When a Dhaka Tribune correspondent visited three temples amid rumors that minorities and temples were being targeted, he discovered that Muslims and Hindus were watching over the houses of worship. Raj Ghosh, a local, remarked at the Dhakeshwari National Temple, “The temple is guarded by both Muslim and Hindu neighbors.” This temple has been utilized by certain people for personal gain. We appreciate that they worked hard to develop it, but they have driven us out of the temple.”
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Another local, Ranjan Kumar Das, expressed concern that the temple would be attacked. We were joined last night by a few local Muslims and students. They gave us their contact information so we could get assistance if we were attacked. The Muslim brothers who have supported us are an inspiration.”
Rafid Azad, a student at Dhaka University, is standing watch at the Ramna Kali Temple. He said that several groups are covering the shrine in shifts. He responded, “We have seen examples of many countries where, when a regime fails, some people spot an opportunity,” when asked who was behind the attacks on temples. It is unclear exactly who is assaulting the temples. Whoever is responsible for this is acting horribly.”
He stated that freedom of expression and religion should be protected by the incoming administration. “Obviously, we do not want a bigoted government, we want a government for everyone.”
“You are our brothers, do not fear” and “Bangladesh is for all of us” are two posters that hang outside the ISKCON Swamibag temple, where there are no security personnel. “There is no reason for fear in this area because we have good relations with everyone,” ISKCON member Durlav Harinam Das stated to the Dhaka Tribune.
India Is Worried.
The government has stated that New Delhi places a high priority on ensuring the safety of minorities in Bangladesh. The External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, told the Parliament yesterday that India is “deeply concerned” about the situation in Bangladesh, particularly with regard to the minority community. “We are keeping an eye on developments pertaining to minorities’ status. There are accounts of actions taken to guarantee their safety and welfare by a number of organizations and groups. We applaud that, but until law and order is clearly restored, we will naturally continue to be quite concerned,” he stated.
Through diplomatic posts, the minister said that New Delhi maintains “close and continuous” communication with the Indian population in Bangladesh.
The safety of Indian people who are now in Bangladesh is also a focus. Approximately 19,000 Indian nationals, including 9,000 students, reside in Bangladesh, according to the minister. Since the student demonstrations against Sheikh Hasina gained momentum, the majority of students have returned. There are currently a lot more Indians coming back. This morning, a chartered flight operated by Air India returned with 205 Indians, six of them were infants.
According to local media, Pradip Kumar Bhowmik, a journalist for Daily Khoborpatra, passed away during an attack by a crowd on the Rayganj Press Club in Sirajganj. There were three additional injured journalists. The Daily Star revealed that assaults on journalists resulted in injuries to a total of twenty-five people nationwide. They’re Muslim by the majority.
Rahul Ananda, a Bangladeshi singer, was attacked by a tumultuous mob in Dhanmondi, Dhaka, who set fire to his musical instruments and furniture. His relatives were able to flee the assault. Rahul Ananda sings for the folk band Joler Gaan, who have posted a video of their most recent recording in the now-demolished room and questioned the “fire of rage and revenge”.
