Dhaka erupts: Hindu minorities fear for safety as anti-minority violence spirals

Hundreds of people took to the streets of Dhaka, Bangladesh, demanding immediate action from the interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus to protect the Hindu community, which has faced increasing violence since the resignation of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on August 5, 2024. The resignation followed intense political upheaval marked by nationwide anti-quota protests, and it seems to have left minority communities, particularly Hindus, vulnerable to extremist violence.

Since Hasina’s ouster, Hindu homes, temples, and businesses have been the targets of attacks across the country, sparking fear and outrage among the minority population, which constitutes about 8% of Bangladesh’s total of 170 million people. Notably, a school teacher was killed and at least 45 others were injured as tensions escalated during the attacks. The protesters, many carrying posters and banners demanding protection, gathered at prominent locations such as the Central Shahid Minar, urging the government to fulfill their eight-point demand for the safeguarding of minority rights.

Key Demands from Protesters

The protest was spearheaded by the Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council and the Combined Minority Alliance, both calling for substantial reforms to protect minority communities in the country. Their demands included the establishment of a Ministry for Minority Development, compensation for affected families, formulation of a Minority Protection Law, and the creation of a special tribunal to expedite justice for victims of communal violence. Additional demands covered the recovery and preservation of confiscated religious properties, restoration of temples, as well as the modernization of educational structures supporting Hindu religious studies.

Amid chants for “democracy, justice, and full freedom,” the protesters made it clear that despite the promises made by the interim government, the violence against minorities continues unabated. Activists highlighted the destruction of Hindu temples and the obstruction of Durga Puja celebrations as some of the recent examples of threats against the Hindu community. Many allege that the government has failed to follow through on its promises of safety and restoration, with attacks continuing even two months after Yunus assumed office.

Growing International and Regional Concerns

The violence against Hindus has raised alarms internationally, with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi calling for urgent measures to ensure the safety of minorities in Bangladesh. The United Nations also voiced its concern, urging the Bangladeshi government to prevent “racially based attacks” and protect human rights. Thousands of Bangladeshi Hindus have reportedly attempted to flee to neighboring India to escape the persecution, reflecting the worsening state of insecurity for minorities in the country.

Bangladesh, a Muslim-majority nation, has a history of communal tensions, but recent political changes have seemingly exacerbated the problem. Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, who assumed leadership of the caretaker government, has reiterated the administration’s commitment to upholding justice and human rights, but activists like Shuka Ray and Sujoy Sarkar express doubts. Ray has pointed out that minority interests are still being overlooked by the interim government. Sarkar has gone further, emphasizing how extremists are obstructing religious celebrations such as Durga Puja, further marginalizing the Hindu community.

Political Unrest and Its Impact on Minorities

The political unrest that led to the resignation of Sheikh Hasina has been directly tied to the wave of violence against Hindu minorities. During the so-called quota movement, which involved people from all religious backgrounds, minorities such as Hindus, Buddhists, and Christians actively participated. However, the subsequent political instability has left these communities exposed to retaliatory attacks, creating an atmosphere of fear and anxiety throughout the nation.

Internet services in key protest areas such as Shahid Minar were reportedly suspended by authorities, a move viewed by some as an attempt to curb the momentum of the protests. Despite this, the Hindu community and its allies have vowed to continue pressing for the acceptance of their demands and for the recognition and protection of their rights as equal citizens of Bangladesh.

Expert Opinion: Need for Institutional Reforms

A political analyst suggests that the recent wave of violence indicates a deeper problem that requires comprehensive institutional reforms. Without proper legal frameworks to safeguard minority interests and ensure accountability, the cycle of violence may continue. The establishment of a dedicated ministry and special tribunals could help in addressing the grievances of marginalized communities. The analyst also highlighted the importance of regional stability, warning that the spillover effects of such violence could have broader implications for the region’s geopolitical landscape.

In conclusion, the recent protests in Dhaka are a manifestation of the growing frustration among Bangladesh’s minorities, who feel increasingly unsafe in the current political climate. With demands for greater protections and assurances of their rights, the Hindu community in particular is calling for urgent and concrete action from both national and international stakeholders to ensure their safety and inclusion in the socio-political fabric of the country.