Tensions Escalate in Bangladesh as Hindu Homes, Businesses, and Temples Targeted Amid Political Turmoil

In the wake of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s ouster, widespread unrest has erupted across Bangladesh, with numerous incidents of vandalism targeting Hindu communities. The Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council (BHBCUC) reported on Tuesday that hundreds of Hindu homes, businesses, and temples have been attacked since Hasina’s resignation, a development that has also drawn concern from neighboring India.

Hindus, who make up about 8% of Bangladesh’s 170 million people, have historically backed Hasina’s Awami League, a party known for its secular stance. The opposition bloc, which includes a hardline Islamist party, has been less favorable to the Hindu minority. Hasina, who has sought refuge in India following deadly protests that forced her to step down after 15 years in power, has left behind a volatile situation that has sparked anxiety among minority communities.

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India, now sheltering Hasina, expressed its concerns, emphasizing the troubling nature of the attacks. “What is particularly worrying was that minorities, their businesses, and temples also came under attack at multiple locations,” an Indian official stated.

Rana Dasgupta, the general secretary of the BHBCUC, shared alarming details of the situation, revealing that between 200-300 Hindu homes and businesses had been vandalized, and 15-20 temples damaged since Monday. He added that while there have been no fatalities, up to 40 people have sustained injuries. “The communal atrocities erupted hours before she resigned,” Dasgupta remarked. “Although there is no killing, there is injury. Houses and businesses of minorities, especially Hindus, as well as temples, have been targeted, looted, damaged.”

Dasgupta himself faced an attack when unidentified individuals hurled a brick at his car in Chattogram on Monday. “I stand against communal atrocities and will not stop,” he asserted. “Until my death, I shall fight for them. I may not be able to physically protect them, but I can give them courage. I may not be able to resist attacks, but I can protest.”

The full extent of the violence remains unclear, as reports of incidents are difficult to verify amid the chaos that has ensued since Hasina’s departure. Law enforcement has largely remained silent, with police officials not responding to requests for comment after numerous police stations were besieged by mobs.

“The situation is horrific,” said Manindra Kumar Nath, a leader within the Hindu community. “Even today, we are getting calls from people asking us to save their lives, but we are not receiving any support from anywhere.”

In response to the unrest, Bangladesh’s military has stepped in to help maintain order, though specific details about their actions remain vague. “Everyone’s cooperation is highly desired in this regard,” the military stated.

Despite repeated appeals from the student leaders behind the anti-Hasina protests, who have urged citizens not to target minority groups, the Hindu community continues to feel exposed in the predominantly Muslim country. With no functioning government in place, their fears are only exacerbated. The army chief has promised an interim government will be established soon, and there is growing support for Nobel Peace laureate Muhammad Yunus to serve as the chief adviser to this interim administration.