Hundreds protest in Dhaka over violence against Hindus in Bangladesh
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A demonstrator in Dhaka on Aug 9 displays a placard during a protest on violence against Hindu communities during ongoing unrest.
PHOTO: REUTERS
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DHAKA - Hundreds of people protested in the Bangladeshi capital Dhaka on Aug 9 against violence targeting the country's minority Hindus since former prime minister Sheikh Hasina quit and fled the country
A school teacher was killed and at least 45 people were injured as homes, businesses and temples of Hindus in Muslim-majority Bangladesh were targeted following Ms Hasina's resignation on Aug 5.
Protesters – some of them carrying posters demanding Bangladeshi minorities be “saved” – chanted slogans of “who are we, Bengali Bengali” and appealed for peace as they blocked an intersection in the capital on Aug 9.
Hindus, who make up about 8 per cent of Bangladesh’s population of 170 million, have traditionally supported Ms Hasina’s Awami League party, which sparked people’s anger after violent clashes between anti-quota protesters and security forces in July.
Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council estimates at least 52 of the country’s 64 districts have been impacted by communal violence since Aug 5 and has sought the help of Mr Muhammad Yunus, the Nobel Peace Prize-winning economist who took charge as head of a caretaker administration on Aug 8.
“There is deep apprehension, anxiety and uncertainty among minorities across the country,” the council said in an open letter on Aug 9.
The office of the United Nations Secretary-General has said the violence in Bangladesh should be “tamped down”, adding that it stands against any “racially based attacks” or “racially based incitement to violence”.
Thousands of Bangladeshi Hindus have been trying to flee to neighbouring India
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also appealed for the “safety and protection” of Hindus and Bangladesh’s other minorities in a message on social media platform X on Aug 8.
In a televised address after he took the oath of office
