Dhaka, Bangladesh – Thousands of Hindus gathered in Dhaka on August 9 to protest against the killing of minority Hindus in Bangladesh and the destruction of Hindu temples. The protestors were angry and held placards that read: “Hindus Have a Right to Live.” The demonstrations come amid political turmoil following the resignation and flight of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on August 5, which has left the country rudderless and plunged it into chaos.
The protests also come in the wake of attacks against Hindus following Sheikh Hasina’s ouster. Hindus in Bangladesh, perceived by islamic radicals to be supporters of the prime minister who was ousted in a military coup, have faced violent reprisals. In addition to the party’s offices and the homes of its members, rioters targeted Hindus, ruthlessly killing and raping their women, torching their homes and vandalizing temples.
The protests also coincided with reports of Hindus trying to flee to India amid the violence. A Hindu goldsmith in the Narsingdi area, about an hour from Dhaka, told Reuters that two youths demanded protection money of 1 million Bangladesh taka ($10,500) and threatened to burn his house if he failed to pay.
The protests have also spread beyond Bangladesh, with Hindus demonstrating in front of the Swedish Parliament and the United Nations headquarters in New York. They chanted slogans such as “Bangladesh, stop Hindu genocide!” and “Hindus won’t leave Bangladesh!”
The international community has been urged to take notice of the plight of Hindus in Bangladesh. A tweet from @visegrad24 on August 10 read: “Hindus demonstrating in front of the Swedish Parliament, asking the world to see their people’s plight. They are chanting: ‘Bangladesh, stop Hindu genocide!'”
The protests highlight the ongoing challenges faced by religious minorities in Bangladesh and the need for greater protection of their rights. They also underscore the importance of promoting tolerance, inclusivity, and respect for diversity in the country.
