Dhaka: The Bangladesh National Hindu Grand Alliance has reported a significant surge in attacks on the Hindu community, with incidents occurring in 278 locations across 48 districts. The violence follows the recent downfall of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s government, which was toppled amid intense protests that ultimately forced her to flee to India.
During a press conference on Tuesday, Palash Kanti Dey, spokesperson and executive secretary of the alliance, detailed the nature of these attacks. According to Dey, the Hindu community has faced vandalism, looting, arson, land grabbing, and threats to emigrate, which he described as a broader assault on the Hindu religion rather than isolated acts of violence.
“As of Monday, we have recorded attacks and threats in 278 locations across 48 districts,” Dey stated, as reported by Dhaka Tribune. “We have raised these concerns with Home Affairs Advisor Brigadier General (retd) M Sakhawat Hussain, who has assured us that these issues will be addressed at the next cabinet meeting.”
Dey expressed hope that the interim government will take necessary actions to address the concerns of the Hindu community.
The recent unrest in Bangladesh began with student protests over job quotas and evolved into a mass movement demanding the resignation of Sheikh Hasina. The resulting violence has claimed over 300 lives.
The crisis culminated in Hasina’s resignation and the end of her 15-year tenure as Prime Minister, with her fleeing to India via helicopter.
