Bangladesh’s Hindu community held a protest in Dhaka on Tuesday amidst ongoing anti-Hindu violence. This unrest began last week following the ousting of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and the collapse of the Awami League government after a month-long student-led uprising.
The protest took place outside the Jamuna State Guest House, where Nobel Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus, the head of the interim government, is currently staying. Demonstrators, holding posters of missing family members, clashed briefly with Bangladesh Army soldiers guarding the guest house.
Earlier that day, Yunus, 84, visited Dhaka’s historic Dhakeshwari Temple. The esteemed economist reassured minorities, including Hindus, of their safety and security in the country. “Rights are equal for everyone. We are all one people with the same rights. Do not make any distinctions among us. Please assist us. Exercise patience and later judge what we are able to do and what not. If we fail, then criticise us,” Yunus said.
A large protest of Hindus in central Dhaka, after wave of targeted attacks & fear.
“Every time there’s a change in political situation in Bangladesh, why always the minority community suffers? Why always they burn my house, my temple? This time again, it is my house, my temple” pic.twitter.com/A3mgBShf8o
— Mujib Mashal (@MujMash) August 10, 2024
He urged the people of Bangladesh to avoid religious distinctions and to be seen as human beings in their democratic aspirations. “Our rights should be ensured. The root of all problems lies in the decay of institutional arrangements. This is why such issues arise… institutional arrangements need to be fixed,” Yunus added, encouraging Hindus to consider themselves “children of the soil.”
Hindus, making up about 8% (13 million) of Bangladesh’s 170 million population, are the largest minority religious group in the country. The anti-Hindu attacks have sparked widespread condemnation in India and from some Indian-origin lawmakers in the US.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
Why are Hindus protesting in Dhaka?
Hindus are protesting due to anti-Hindu violence following the ousting of Sheikh Hasina and her government.
Who is leading the interim government in Bangladesh?
Nobel Prize winner Muhammad Yunus is leading the interim government in Bangladesh.
What did Muhammad Yunus say about the violence?
Yunus assured minorities of their safety and emphasized equal rights for all, urging patience and unity.
Where did Muhammad Yunus visit earlier in the day?
Muhammad Yunus visited the historic Dhakeshwari Temple in Dhaka.
What percentage of Bangladesh’s population are Hindus?
Hindus make up around 8% of Bangladesh’s 17 crore population.