Bangladesh’s newly established interim government has declared its commitment to tackling the violence targeting Hindus and other religious minorities, a concerning development that arose following the sudden departure of autocratic leader Sheikh Hasina. According to AFP, Hindus, who constitute the largest minority group in the predominantly Muslim country, have historically been a strong pillar of support for Hasina’s Awami League party. Since Hasina’s unexpected resignation and subsequent departure to a foreign country on Monday, marking the end of her 15-year autocratic rule, multiple reports have emerged detailing assaults on Hindu homes, temples, and businesses.
In its inaugural official statement since being appointed on Thursday, the interim cabinet expressed grave concern over the attacks on religious minorities in certain areas. The cabinet asserted that it would “immediately sit with the representative bodies and other concerned groups to find ways to resolve such heinous attacks.” Sunday’s statement from the self-proclaimed “council of advisors”, entrusted with guiding democratic reforms in this South Asian nation of 170 million people, outlined a series of pressing priorities. The government, led by Nobel peace laureate Muhammad Yunus, issued an order for “support” to be provided to the families of protesters who lost their lives during the weeks of demonstrations culminating in Hasina’s departure. It also directed public funds to cover the medical expenses of those injured in the unrest, which commenced in July and claimed the lives of over 450 individuals.
The council also announced its intention to reopen the metro system in the capital, Dhaka, by the end of the week and to promptly appoint a new governor for the central bank, replacing a loyalist of Hasina who was compelled to resign.
Earlier on Sunday, a new chief justice, Syed Refaat Ahmed, was sworn into office following the resignation of his predecessor, Obaidul Hassan. Hassan had faced criticism for allegedly bending the Supreme Court to the will of the previous government. His departure followed widespread protests demanding his removal. This change is part of a broader effort to replace officials affiliated with the deposed regime, which was overthrown by a student-led uprising. Ahmed, holding academic credentials from the University of Dhaka, Oxford, and Tufts University, takes over from Hassan, who had been criticized for his role in a controversial war crimes tribunal that resulted in the execution of Hasina’s political opponents. Furthermore, Hassan’s brother held the position of secretary to Hasina for an extended period.
Hasina, 76, fled by helicopter to neighboring India on Monday as protesters flooded the streets of Dhaka, marking a dramatic end to her iron-fisted rule. Her government was accused of widespread human rights abuses, including the extrajudicial killing of thousands of her political opponents, during her 15-year tenure.
Cabinet ministers caught off guard by her sudden downfall have gone into hiding, while several other high-ranking appointees have been forced out of their positions, including the national police chief. Interim leader Yunus, 84, returned from Europe on Thursday to head a temporary administration tasked with the daunting challenge of restoring order and implementing democratic reforms.
Yunus, the recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize in 2006 for his groundbreaking work in microfinance, which is credited with lifting millions of Bangladeshis out of abject poverty, assumed the role of “chief advisor” to a caretaker administration. This administration is composed of fellow civilians, with the exception of one retired brigadier-general. Yunus has stated his intention to hold elections “within a few months”. (With inputs from AFP)
