Over 30,000 protesters rally in Bangladesh against targeted attacks on Hindus
Bangladesh: Tens of thousands of minority Hindus gathered on Friday, rallying at a major intersection in Chattogram, demanding that the interim government in Muslim-majority Bangladesh ensure their safety and drop sedition cases filed against Hindu community leaders. Approximately 30,000 protesters, under heavy police and military presence, chanted slogans demanding their rights as similar demonstrations took place across the country.
Rising Attacks Spark Concerns
Hindu advocacy groups report over 2,000 attacks on Hindus since early August when the secular government of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was toppled following a student-led uprising. Muhammad Yunus, the Nobel laureate leading the interim government, has dismissed these figures as exaggerated, although minority groups and international organisations, including United Nations human rights officials, remain alarmed over escalating rights abuses in Bangladesh under the new administration.
Hindus represent about 8% of Bangladesh’s population of nearly 170 million, with Muslims comprising around 91%. Since Hasina's departure, Hindu leaders claim hard-line Islamist influence has increased, aggravating violence against minorities. The influential Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council has led calls for protection, reporting systematic attacks against Hindus amid the government’s struggle to restore stability.
International Response to Human Rights Crisis
The reported violence has caught international attention, with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and U.S. officials expressing concerns. U.S. presidential candidate Donald Trump condemned the attacks, calling the situation “barbaric” in a social media post. The Biden administration has also stated it is closely monitoring Bangladesh’s human rights situation post-Hasina’s ouster.
Demands for Legislative and Administrative Changes
Since August, Hindu activists have staged protests nationwide, urging the interim government to establish a ministry for minority affairs, introduce laws to safeguard minorities, and form a tribunal to address violence against them. The community also seeks a five-day holiday for Durga Puja, one of their largest festivals.
Sedition Charges Against Hindu Leaders Add Fuel to Protests
Friday’s protest in Chattogram was prompted by sedition charges filed on Wednesday against 19 Hindu leaders, including prominent priest Chandan Kumar Dhar, for alleged disrespect to the national flag during an October rally. Police detained two leaders, sparking outrage. Hindu representatives claimed the charges were politically motivated and issued an ultimatum for their withdrawal within 72 hours. A follow-up rally was scheduled for Saturday in Dhaka.
Political Party Tensions Amid Broader Unrest
Supporters of Hasina's Awami League and the Jatiya Party have also reported attacks since the former prime minister’s removal. On Thursday night, Jatiya’s headquarters was vandalised and set alight. Despite risks, Jatiya Party Chair G.M. Quader vowed to continue rallying for their rights, including a planned rally on Saturday against price hikes and alleged false accusations against their leaders.
Authorities Impose Rally Restrictions in Dhaka
Late Friday, the Dhaka Metropolitan Police announced a ban on gatherings near the Jatiya Party headquarters. Following this, the Jatiya Party postponed their rally, citing respect for the law. The ban was implemented after a student group denounced police permission for the rally and threatened to obstruct it.
AP