Reports of violence against Hindus in the Muslim-majority country have led to tension with India
Bangladesh’s interim leader, Mohammed Yunus, has called for an end to any actions that could “harm religious harmony” in the country. He made the plea on Thursday, amidst reports of deadly violence against Hindus and other minorities following the resignation of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
“No one should take the law into their own hands. If anyone creates disorder in society by doing so, we will definitely bring them under punishment,” said Yunus, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, according to the Dhaka Tribune. He has pledged to establish a “democratic Bangladesh” for future generations.
Yunus assumed the role of chief advisor to the interim government of Bangladesh on August 8, following Hasina’s resignation in the wake of widespread protests. The unrest, which initially began as a student demonstration against discriminatory job reservations for veterans’ relatives, escalated into widespread turmoil. Clashes between protesters and security forces reportedly resulted in the deaths of around 600 people.
In the days that followed, human rights groups and diplomats expressed concerns over reports of attacks on minorities, including Hindus, who constitute approximately 9% of the country’s population. In response to these allegations, New Delhi established a special committee to monitor the situation. Narendra Modi, India’s Prime Minister, has also urged Yunus to ensure the safety of the Hindu community.
Meanwhile, Hasina’s extended stay in India, where she initially planned a brief visit following her removal from office, has complicated New Delhi’s efforts to cultivate a strong relationship with the interim government. The former Prime Minister has since departed for the UK, her original intended destination.
Concerns regarding racial profiling of Hindus were sparked when the Personnel Department of the President of Bangladesh requested a list of Hindu officers holding the position of Joint Secretary on August 24. Dhaka has refuted these allegations, stating that the list was intended solely to identify such officers for an invitation to a religious event.
In a related development, the interim government earlier this week urged the country’s Hindu community to suspend activities related to Durga Puja, a major religious and socio-cultural event in the Bengal region, during the Muslim calls to prayer (azaan) and congregational prayer (namaz). Durga Puja, celebrated annually during autumn, is the largest festival observed by the Bengali-Hindu community, featuring musical performances and cultural events.