In a powerful display of solidarity, tens of thousands of Hindus in Bangladesh took to the streets on Friday, protesting against a disturbing increase in attacks and harassment targeting their community. These demonstrations emerged amidst a political crisis following the ousting of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, revealing a growing sense of insecurity among minority groups in the country.
The protests were spearheaded by the Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council, a minority rights organization that reports over 2,000 attacks on Hindus since August 4th. This alarming surge in violence has coincided with the interim government, led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, struggling to restore stability.
One of the largest gatherings occurred in Chattogram, where approximately 30,000 Hindus assembled at a key intersection, chanting slogans for their rights and protection. Police and military personnel maintained a vigilant presence throughout the protest. Similar demonstrations were reported in various regions across Bangladesh.
The unrest in Chattogram was ignited by sedition charges filed against 19 Hindu leaders, including prominent priest Chandan Kumar Dhar, earlier in the week. These charges stemmed from an incident during an October 25 rally, where participants allegedly displayed a saffron flag above the national flag—a move seen as disrespectful. The arrest of two leaders intensified anger within the Hindu community.
Community leaders have condemned these sedition charges as politically motivated, demanding their immediate withdrawal within 72 hours. They have also planned another large rally in Dhaka, the capital, but the Dhaka Metropolitan Police announced a ban on gatherings near the Jatiya Party’s headquarters due to security concerns, following backlash from a student group initially allowed to rally.
These ongoing protests form part of a broader movement by Hindu activists advocating for reforms to protect minority rights in Bangladesh. Their demands include legislation to safeguard minorities, the establishment of a dedicated ministry for minority affairs, a tribunal for prosecuting acts of oppression against minorities, and a five-day holiday for the Durga Puja festival.
The rise in violence against Hindus is linked to the political upheaval of early August when then-Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was overthrown by a student-led movement. The interim government under Muhammad Yunus has faced criticism for its inadequate protection of minorities and the growing influence of hardline Islamists.
International concern regarding human rights in Bangladesh is mounting. The United Nations has expressed worries about abuses under Yunus’s administration. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has voiced his concern over the attacks on Hindus, while the Biden administration continues to monitor human rights issues closely since Hasina’s departure. Former US presidential candidate Donald Trump has condemned the violence against minorities, labeling it “barbaric.”
The protests in Bangladesh underscore the precarious state of minority rights amid political turmoil and rising religious tensions. The Hindu community’s demands for greater protection and recognition symbolize the challenges faced by a diverse and increasingly polarized nation.
