Hindus and Hindu homes in Bangladesh targeted by rioters
Leaders of the anti-Awami League movement have urged supporters to refrain from targeting the Hindu minority.
The recent upheaval in Bangladesh has led to the widespread destruction of Hindu homes in Bangladesh. Reports indicate that following the ousting of Sheikh Hasina, a large number of Hindu temples, shops, and homes have been targeted by armed mobs. This violence has come amidst severe unrest over government employment quotas and Hasina’s resignation. Despite pleas from leaders of the movement that deposed the Awami League administration, the safety of Hindus remains a significant concern.
Destruction and Safety Concerns for Hindu Homes in Bangladesh
Leaders of the anti-Awami League movement have urged supporters to refrain from targeting the Hindu minority, yet the violence persists. Approximately 8% of Bangladesh’s population, or about 1.36 crore people, are Hindu. Historically, this minority has been aligned with Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League due to her strong ties with India and the party’s secular stance compared to its opposition. However, with the government’s collapse and the rise of a new administration, rioters have increasingly targeted Hindu homes in Bangladesh, attacking jails, police stations, and residences of Awami League officials alongside Hindu establishments.
Tarique Rahman, head of the BNP and son of former prime minister Khaleda Zia, has been a vocal advocate for calm. In a statement on X, Rahman appealed to Bangladeshis to exercise restraint and protect all citizens, regardless of religion. He stressed the importance of unity and non-discrimination during this transitional period, emphasizing that all communities should be treated equally and without prejudice.
Reports from the Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council indicate that since Monday, 200–300 Hindu homes and businesses have been attacked. Around forty individuals have been injured, and fifteen to twenty Hindu temples have been vandalized. Rana Dasgupta, the council’s general secretary, described the attacks as occurring hours before Hasina’s resignation, noting that while there have been no fatalities, significant property damage and injury have been reported.
Avirup Sarkar, a development expert in Dhaka, recounted an incident involving his relative in Netrokona, who reported that their home was looted and vandalized by a mob. The attackers, wielding sticks, destroyed furniture and electronics, and stole valuables. The mob’s hostility was directed towards those associated with the Awami League, exacerbating fears among the Hindu community.
Journalists and Artists Targeted Amidst Rising Tensions
The ongoing violence has not spared journalists and artists. Pradip Kumar Bhowmik, a journalist with Daily Khoborpatra, was killed during a mob raid on the Rayganj Press Club in Sirajganj. Three other journalists sustained injuries, and nationwide reports suggest that at least 25 journalists have been affected. In Dhanmondi, Dhaka, singer Rahul Ananda was attacked by a mob that destroyed his musical equipment and furnishings. His relatives managed to escape, and Ananda’s folk band Joler Gaan has publicly criticized the violence.
Community Solidarity: Muslims and Hindus Protecting Temples
Despite the widespread attacks, there have been positive signs of solidarity. In response to the violence against Hindu homes in Bangladesh, both Hindus and Muslims have been seen working together to protect temples. At Dhakeshwari National Temple, locals have been guarding the premises, with both Hindu and Muslim neighbors collaborating to ensure the temple’s safety. Ranjan Kumar Das, a local resident, highlighted the joint efforts of students and local Muslims to safeguard the temple, reflecting a strong sense of community support.
At the Ramna Kali Temple, student Rafid Azad reported that groups are taking shifts to guard the shrine, stressing the need for protection and respect for freedom of expression and religion. The ISKCON Swamibag temple also displayed a message of unity, with posters reading, “You are our brothers, do not fear” and “Bangladesh is for all of us.” ISKCON member Durlav Harinam Das emphasized the strong interfaith relations in their area, which have contributed to a more secure environment.
India’s Concerns and Efforts for Safety
India has expressed deep concern over the safety of minorities in Bangladesh. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar addressed Parliament, highlighting India’s ongoing efforts to monitor and support the safety of the Bangladeshi Hindu minority. New Delhi is also focused on the welfare of Indian nationals in Bangladesh, including the approximately 19,000 Indians, with 9,000 of them being students. As tensions rise, many students have returned to India, with chartered flights facilitating their evacuation.
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