Indian media reports emerged on Monday of attacks against Hindu communities in Bangladesh following Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s resignation amid ongoing political unrest. Social media has been flooded with unverified videos showing places of worship and homes belonging to Hindus in flames.
India Today reported that demonstrators targeted an ISKCON temple and a Kali temple, as well as houses belonging to Hindus. Hindu councillor Haradhan Roy from the Rangpur City Corporation was reported dead as a result of the violence.
Protesters also stormed the official residence of the Prime Minister, Gono Bhaban, in Dhaka. Supporters of the Awami League, the party led by Hasina, were reportedly attacked, with people being asked to show their identity cards and have their vehicles checked to confirm their association with the government.
In an effort to curb hysteria and protect minority communities, many Muslims in Bangladesh took to social media to share images of themselves safeguarding temples. Videos showed announcements from mosques urging people to refrain from vandalism.
Dr. Shafiqur Rahman, chief of Jamaat-e-Islami Bangladesh, called on citizens to act as “watchmen” to prevent attacks on religious minorities. He warned that attempts to worsen the law-and-order situation might lead to more attacks on places of worship and other properties.
“Dictator Sheikh Hasina has resigned and left the country in the face of mass uprising of the students and the general masses. An interim government will be formed soon. At this time, a vested quarter is conspiring to worsen the law-and-order situation. I urge everyone to prevent such actions and protect people of all religions,” Rahman stated.
The protests that led to Hasina’s resignation began in June 2024 in response to the reinstatement of a 30 per cent quota for families of veterans from the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War in government jobs. The violence intensified after Hasina’s derogatory remarks about the student protesters and continued until July 21, when the Supreme Court intervened to limit the quota system.
The unrest resulted in over 200 deaths and thousands of detentions, with the Internet being shut down and shoot-on-sight orders issued. The demonstrations continued until Hasina’s resignation on Sunday, leading to a curfew and a public holiday from Monday to Wednesday.
Bangladesh President Mohammed Shahabuddin announced the release of opposition leader Khaleda Zia and others arrested on “false cases.” He also declared the immediate dissolution of the current parliament and the formation of an interim government to hold elections.
Nafiz Basher, a member of Students Against Discrimination, said the group would meet with the army chief on Tuesday to discuss their demands. Student leader Muhammad Nahid Islam emphasized the group’s desire to abolish “fascist systems” and expressed hopes that Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus could lead the interim government.
