Bangladesh’s Hindu minority suffers from violent attacks as the country plunges into disorder after Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s removal from power. Islamic mobs against Hasina have started a campaign of terror, theft, and riots, with Hindu communities as their main targets. Hindu communities face attacks amid Bangladesh’s political turmoil.
Killings of Hindu Councillors Shock the Nation
The violence is horrific. On Sunday, attackers shot and killed Haradhan Roy, a dedicated councillor of the Parshuram Thana Awami League in Rangpur. An angry crowd also beat his nephew to death. In the same area, murderers took the life of Kajal Roy, another Hindu councillor. These deaths have left their families and communities scared and heartbroken.
Desecration of Sacred Sites
The violence spreads to holy places of worship. In Meherpur, attackers burned down a rented ISKCON center. They damaged and ruined the statues of Lord Jagannath Baladev, and Subhadra Devi. This attack crushed the community turning their place of comfort and prayer into rubble. Yudhistir Govinda Das, who speaks for ISKCON in India, described the terrifying event. He said three people got out of the fire alive.
Homes and Lives in Ruins
Hindu homes in Noakhali district face invasion and violation. A crowd attacked a Hindu family’s gate trying to break in and cause harm. These communities live in fear as they see their neighbors’ lives fall apart.
Ongoing Danger During Political Chaos
What started as students protesting the quota system has grown into a widespread movement against Hasina’s 15-year leadership now led by the pro-Pakistan Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Islamist Jamaat-e-Islami. Even after Hasina stepped down and left the country, attacks on Hindus continue.
In a talk with DW News, student protest leader Prapti Taposhi spoke about the serious situation pointing out that the military now in charge fails to protect Hindu minorities. Taposhi cautioned that without quick action, protesters might need to take to the streets again to demand justice and safety for Hindus.
A Bleak Outlook for Hindus in Bangladesh
Bangladesh’s Hindu minority has faced a troubled past of assaults during religious celebrations. Although Hasina’s government tried to control extremist violence, her exit has created a power gap that the BNP and Jamaat backed by the military, are ready to take advantage of. The Hindu population faces a scary and unknown future worried about more violence and widespread discrimination.
The world looks on with concern as Bangladesh’s Hindus go through another period of hardship, their situation showing how minority rights can be threatened when politics get messy.