Dhaka: Amid escalating tensions, Bangladesh’s minority Hindu community held a large-scale rally on Saturday, demanding safety from a surge in attacks and calling for the withdrawal of sedition charges against community leaders. Approximately 30,000 Hindus gathered in Chittagong, chanting slogans and urging the interim government to ensure their security and revoke the politically charged sedition cases against 19 Hindu leaders.
Protests also erupted in other parts of Bangladesh, reflecting widespread concerns among Hindus, who make up roughly 8% of the country’s 170 million population. Since the secular government of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was ousted in August, over 2,000 reported attacks have targeted the Hindu community. Hasina, who left the country amid escalating student-led protests, has been replaced by an interim administration led by Nobel laureate Mohammad Yunus. However, the community claims this new government has failed to curb rising radical Islamist influence and protect minority rights.
Unrest in Bangladesh: Rising Persecution of Hindus After Hasina’s Exit
The influential Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council has documented an alarming rise in assaults on Hindu individuals, temples, and businesses since Hasina’s departure. Many in the community say radical groups feel emboldened under the current administration. Hindu leaders have called for immediate action, emphasizing that minority communities feel increasingly vulnerable in the face of political instability.
Sedition Charges Against Hindu Leaders Spark Outrage
On October 25, a large gathering in Chittagong led by Hindu leaders included traditional saffron flags, one of which was mistakenly raised on a pole displaying the Bangladesh national flag. This led to accusations of disrespect toward the flag, and authorities filed sedition charges against 19 Hindu leaders, including head priest Chandan Kumar Dhar. The community views the sedition cases as retaliatory, aiming to suppress their demand for equal rights and safety.
In response to these charges, the Hindu community organized another protest in Chittagong on Friday, demanding the immediate release of two leaders arrested under these allegations. The protestors argue that the sedition cases are baseless and politically motivated, aiming to silence their voices. They have given the interim government a 72-hour deadline to withdraw the charges, warning of further rallies if their demands are not met.
A Plea for Justice and Equality
The Hindu community leaders have emphasized that they will continue to peacefully protest until their rights are safeguarded and discriminatory actions cease. With further rallies planned in the coming days, the Hindu minority in Bangladesh is making it clear that they will not remain silent in the face of rising challenges and threats.
