Bangladesh Hindus decry targeted violence, finding ways to deal with attacks: Interim govt

In wake of widespread and targeted violence against the Hindus in Bangladesh, the members of the largest minority faith (Hindu) on August 11 held a protest demonstration in the port city of Chittagong, demanding safety for their lives, properties, and places of worship.

The interim government led by Nobel Peace Prize-winning economist Mohammad Yunus on August 11 said that it is finding ways to deal with the attacks and ensure minorities live in peace.

The protestors joined by members of other minorities including Christians, and Buddhists under the aegis of ‘Bangladesh Hindu, Buddha, Christian Unity Group denounced the attacks on minorities. The protestors proclaimed, 'Bangladesh is our motherland and we won't go anywhere'.

Over 100 Hindus and other minorities have been killed across the country since the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government. Also, there have been at least 205 incidents of attacks in 52 districts against the minorities since August 5.

The minority members are facing the spillovers of the violent protests over a quota-related issue in Bangladesh since Sheikh Hasina’s abrupt resignation and flight abroad on August 5 brought an end to her 15 years in power.

Pertinently, Hindus in Bangladesh have been traditional supporters of Hasina's Awami League party.

"Bangladesh is our soil & our mother. We will never leave our mother," read one of the placards seen during the protest rally. "Save Bangladeshi Hindu Society. Save Hindus!" another appeal read.

The protesters also waved the Bangladeshi national flag along with a saffron-color flag depicting Lord Ram with 'Jai Shri Ram' written over it.
The protesting Hindus also raised questions about why their places of worship were being attacked.

"Why is this happening to us? We want to live in peace. Let us live," read another placard at the site of the protest rally.
"Why are our sisters and mothers being physically harassed," read a hand-written note on cardboard repeatedly flashed during the 'demand for justice rally'.

‘Finding ways to deal with attacks’

Meanwhile, expressing concern over the incidents of targeted violence, UN on August 11 asked the interim Bangladesh government led by Mohammed Yunus to safeguard the minorities. Nobel Peace Prize-winning economist Mohammad Yunus, who took over as the head of the country’s interim government on August 8, condemned the attacks on the minority communities, terming them as "heinous".
"Are they not the people of this country? You (students) have saved this country; can't you protect some families? They are my brothers... we fought together, and we will stay together,” Yunus told students at a Bangladeshi university on August 10.
The interim cabinet in its first official statement on August 11 said, “The attacks on religious minorities at some places have been noted with grave concern,”

“We would immediately sit with the representative bodies and other concerned groups to find ways to resolve such heinous attacks,”. The statement added.

At least 232 people have reportedly been killed in various attacks and conflicts across Bangladesh since August 5.

The Chittagong protests on August 11 witnessed overwhelming emotions with the minorities expressing their anger, anxiety, and apprehensions. The protestors hoped that authorities will take necessary steps to address their worries.