The streets of Bangladesh are awash with violence as mobs opposed to deposed leader Sheikh Hasina unleash a wave of destruction across the country. The unrest, which began as student-led protests against the quota system, quickly transformed into a mass movement against Hasina’s 15-year rule, fueled by the pro-Pakistan Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and the Islamist Jamaat-e-Islami. The culmination of this agitation saw nearly 100 people killed on Sunday, ultimately leading to Hasina’s resignation and her flight from the country.
The violence has not been confined to targeting facilities and leaders of Hasina’s Bangladesh Awami League (BAL). A disturbing trend of attacks against the country’s Hindu minority has emerged. Reports have documented the killing of at least two Hindu councillors, Haradhan Roy and Kajal Roy, in Rangpur district. The mob violence extended to the destruction of Hindu temples and homes, with ISKCON’s centre in Meherpur suffering arson and the desecration of deities. Additionally, attacks on Hindu houses in Noakhali district have been reported.
The severity of the situation has led even student protest leaders, who played a pivotal role in Hasina’s removal, to express alarm over the violence against Hindus. Prapti Taposhi, a prominent student leader, has pointed to the military’s inaction in protecting the minority community, raising concerns about the potential for increased persecution under the new regime.
The military’s current control of Bangladesh has failed to curb the violence, leaving many worried about the future. The past has shown a disturbing pattern of attacks against Hindus, especially during festivals. While Hasina’s government had attempted to curb extremism, her departure leaves a void that could be filled by the BNP and Jamaat, potentially leading to a surge in violence and systematic persecution against the Hindu community. The current situation demands swift action to ensure the safety and protection of Bangladesh’s Hindu minority.
