The national media reports that there is a riot against Hindus in Bangladesh. Many Hindu temples, businesses and temples in Bangladesh are being attacked by violent mobs. The information comes out from NTTV Access citing the Hindu community in Bangladesh itself.
After the removal of Sheikh Hasina from the post of Prime Minister, many Hindu temples, business establishments, temples etc. have been vandalized in Bangladesh. Looting and looting continues. Around 200-300 homes and businesses owned by Hindus were vandalized. Around 15-20 Hindu temples were destroyed and around 40 people were injured, the Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council said in a statement. Hasina was ousted from power and immediately riots broke out. Rana Dasgupta, general secretary of the Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council, said that homes, businesses and temples of minorities, especially Hindus, were targeted, looted and destroyed.
Dhaka-based development expert Avirup Sarkar told the BBC that his relative lives in Netrokona, about 100 kilometers from Dhaka. Hours after Sheikh Hasina left the country, Mr. Sarkar called. “She was terrified. She said a mob invaded and ransacked the house, adding that 100 people barged into the house and smashed furniture, TV, bathroom fittings and doors.
The rioters ransacked Hindu Christian Buddhist houses and took money and jewellery. Terrorists are breaking the doors of Hindu Christian and Buddhist houses and asking them to leave the country. This country is in bad shape because of you. You must leave the country,” the crowd shouted at the residents, according to a BBC report. The Daily Star reported that 25 journalists were injured in attacks across the country. In Dhaka’s Dhanmondi, a violent mob attacked Bangladeshi singer Rahul Ananda’s ancestral home and set ablaze his musical instruments and furniture.
The devotees of the three temples told the Dhaka Tribune that the attack is aimed at minorities and temples and should be avoided. “Muslim and Hindu neighbors stand guard to protect the temple. There are no guards at the ISKCON Swamibagh temple, but there are two posters that read, “You are our brothers, don’t be afraid” and “Bangladesh is for all of us”. ISKCON member Durlav Harinam Das said. There are no Hindus or police to protect this temple. Das also stated that the Muslim brothers themselves should protect this temple.
When democracy collapsed, the mob turned violent in Bangladesh. The news is that the house establishment is under fear and shadow of attacks against the minorities and their properties.
As the leaders of the Awami League movement, which toppled the democratic government, appealed to the people not to target the Hindu minority, concerns about their safety have been raised. Many centers have come out in support of the Hindus at the international level, but the democracy in Bangladesh is broken and the state is in anarchy without law and order.
Some temples in Bangladesh are patronized by Muslims and Hindus together. Hindus make up about 8 percent of Bangladesh’s 17 crore population, which is about 1.3 crore Hindus. There are about 5 lakh Christians and 1 crore Buddhists. There are about 15 crore Muslims in Bangladesh. Bangladesh was a Hindu-only country until the 11th century. The Arabs who came to trade with the 9th century later took control of the country.
A large section of Bangladesh still traditionally supports Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League. Sheikh Hasina’s strong ties with India are also a reason for Islamic extremists’ stance against Hindus. Extremist Jamaat protested against India granting asylum to Sheikh Hasina. There are also anti-India movements. With the government falling and the new administration yet to take over, mobs are gathering to target police stations, jails, homes of Hindu leaders and Hindu institutions. Jails were forcibly opened and criminals and terrorists were released. Sheikh Hasina’s party called on the people of Bangladesh to exercise restraint and calmness at this transitional moment in the path of democracy.
It is our duty to protect all Bangladeshis from discriminatory violence, regardless of religion and politics, and not to harm, divide or retaliate against any particular community. Muslims, Hindus, Christians, Buddhists, believers, atheists – no one will be left out or prejudiced in our democratic path; Together, we are all proudly Bangladeshi,” said Sheikh Hasina’s party leaders. Maximum steps are being taken to quell the terrorists.
