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|  |
| Nature of Violence | |
|---|---|
| Type of Attacks | Targeted violence against Hindus, vandalism, arson, looting |
| Primary Targets | Hindu homes, businesses, temples, cultural centers |
| Casualties and Damage | |
| Hindu Homes/Businesses Vandalized | 200-300 |
| Temples Damaged | 15-20 |
| Notable Victims | Kajal Roy and Haradhan Roy (Hindu councillors), Rahul Ananda (Singer), and many others killed whose names are unknown.[1] |
| Cultural Sites Attacked | Indira Gandhi Cultural Centre in Dhaka[2] |
| Perpetrators | |
| Main Groups Involved | Islamist groups including Jamaat-e-Islami[3] |
| Tactics Used | Organized mob attacks, arson, abduction of women |
| Incidents Reported | 205 within the first 5 days |
| Law Enforcement and Response | |
| Military Presence | Announced but largely absent[4] |
| Impact on Hindu Community | |
| Fear and Displacement | Significant, with many attempting to flee to India[5] |
| Community Response | Hindu organizations condemned the attacks, called for government action |
In early August 2024, Bangladesh was engulfed in profound political and social turmoil following the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.[6] This created a power vacuum that intensified existing tensions, leading to widespread unrest and targeted violence against the Hindu minority community.[7]
Introduction
editThe resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on August 5, a leader who had been at the nation's helm for over a decade, marked a watershed moment. Her departure, prompted by escalating protests and political unrest, created a power vacuum that intensified existing tensions.[8]
The backdrop to Hasina's resignation was a landscape rife with increasing polarization, allegations of corruption, and mounting dissatisfaction across various societal segments.[9] Opposition parties, notably the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), vocally criticized the government's management of economic challenges, governance issues, and human rights concerns.[10] Doubts about the integrity of upcoming elections further exacerbated the unrest, with many accusing the ruling Awami League of attempting to manipulate the electoral process.[11][12]
Amid this volatile climate, protests erupted against a controversial quota system for government jobs. What began as policy-driven demonstrations rapidly devolved into widespread attacks targeting the Hindu minority community. Spanning at least 27 districts, these assaults led to significant loss of life and property, drawing both national and international condemnation. Hindu homes, businesses, and religious sites bore the brunt of the violence, underscoring the vulnerability of minorities during periods of political instability.[13][14]
The ensuing chaos provided an opening for various groups, including the Islamist party Jamaat-e-Islami, to assert their influence and steer the country's direction.[15] The confluence of leadership uncertainty, targeted violence, and political upheaval raised pressing concerns about the future of democracy in Bangladesh, the rule of law, and the safeguarding of minority rights as the nation grappled with its precarious trajectory.[16]
Timeline of Events
editFollowing the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in 2024, Bangladesh was thrust into a period of severe chaos and unprecedented violence. This tumultuous period was defined by a wave of brutal and systematic attacks on the Hindu minority, with many describing the events as a "Genocide of Hindus." The violence was perpetrated largely by Bangladeshi Islamists, who unleashed a reign of terror on minority populations, engaging in arson, vandalism, and the abduction of women, all while the nation descended into a state of alarming disorder and insecurity.[15][17][18]
The initial outbreak of violence began on August 5, 2024, in the district of Sylhet. Here, mobs reportedly incited by Jamaat-e-Islami and its affiliated groups targeted Hindu temples and homes in predominantly Hindu neighborhoods. These attacks were not only marked by their scale but also by their extreme brutality.[19] Reports of women being kidnapped during these attacks added a particularly horrific dimension to the violence, highlighting the depth of the hatred and the severity of the actions taken against the Hindu community.[20][17]
As the violence in Sylhet set a terrifying precedent, it quickly spread to other regions across Bangladesh. In Dhaka, the capital, the situation grew increasingly dire as Hindus came under attack in various parts of the city. In Dhaka's Miranjali Colony, fundamentalists targeted and vandalized the homes of Hindu residents, pelting stones at their houses and inflicting significant damage.[21] Along with residential properties, temples were also targeted in these attacks, with several being vandalized and desecrated. In this particular incident, 60 Hindus were reported injured, with some suffering critical injuries that required hospitalization. The atmosphere in the area became tense, as fear and uncertainty gripped the Hindu community. Many Hindu organizations swiftly condemned these attacks and demanded strict action from the Bangladesh government, calling for justice and protection for the beleaguered minority.[22]
They set fire to the house of Rahul Ananda, the leader of a band called 'Joler Gaan,' and his hundreds of musical instruments and documents were burned.[23] The house was also used as a studio. However, later that day, the Dhanuka Manasa Bari temple in Shariatpur was destroyed by a mob, who also vandalized 16 CCTV cameras.[24]
In Dinajpur, the Dinajpur Centre Cremation yard and five temples were vandalized, and Hindu homes were attacked across several upazilas. The police were informed but did not take action. Similar attacks occurred in Patuakhali, Barishal, and Bogura, where Hindu communities faced arson, looting, and destruction of property.
These incidents were part of a broader wave of violence affecting at least 27 districts following the government's ouster.[23]
The ISKCON Center in Meherpur was attacked, desecrated, and set on fire during anti-Hindu protests.[25] While the devotees at the center were fortunately reported safe, as confirmed by ISKCON India leaders, the incident highlighted the growing threat to Hindu religious sites across the country. Temples dedicated to the goddess Kali were also attacked and desecrated, further underscoring the pervasive nature of the violence.[26] The coordinated nature of these attacks was evident as Hindu homes and workplaces were simultaneously targeted in 27 districts across Bangladesh, illustrating the widespread and organized effort to terrorize the Hindu population.[13][27]
The violence also claimed the lives of prominent Hindu figures, including councillors such as Kajal Roy and Haradhan Roy, who were killed in the unrest. Their deaths were a stark reminder of the dangers faced by those who stood as representatives and protectors of their communities during such turbulent times.[28] The attacks were not limited to individuals and religious sites; even cultural centers became targets. The Indira Gandhi Cultural Centre, located in Dhaka’s Dhanmondi area, was damaged by an unruly mob, according to eyewitnesses. [29]
The Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council reported that between 200-300 Hindu homes and businesses had been vandalized, and 15-20 temples had been damaged across multiple districts, including Dhaka, Natore, Patuakhali, and Jessore.[30] The scale of the destruction was immense, and the fear among the Hindu community was palpable. Many Hindus, fearing for their lives, attempted to flee to neighboring India amid the violence. However, their escape was fraught with difficulty, as many faced resistance at the border and were forced to return home after local authorities provided assurances of protection.[31][32][33]
The situation became increasingly dire as the days passed. Within just five days, the Minority Collective in Bangladesh reported 205 incidents of attacks on minorities, a staggering number that highlighted the severity of the situation.[34] The violence left deep scars on the Hindu community and the nation as a whole, with many Hindu community leaders expressing fear and concern in the wake of the tense situation that followed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s ouster. The events of this period serve as a grim reminder of the vulnerability of minority communities in times of political instability and the devastating impact that such violence can have on the social fabric of a nation.
Initial Response and Actions
editThe initial response from law enforcement was plagued by numerous challenges and shortcomings. Many police stations in Dhaka and other districts were left abandoned after being targeted in arson attacks by militant groups and terrorists.[35][36] Reports revealed that at least six police stations in Chittagong were vandalized and set ablaze, forcing officers to evacuate their posts.[37] In Noakhali, a particularly brutal attack claimed the lives of four policemen and three civilians, highlighting the severe risks faced by law enforcement personnel.[38] In Sylhet's Beanibazar, at least three people were killed when police opened fire on a mob attacking a police station.[39] According to a Feni police official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, enraged mobs also attacked the Feni Model, Daganbhuiyan, and Chhagalnaiya police stations.[40][41]
As tensions mounted and police forces struggled to maintain control, the interim government announced the deployment of the Bangladeshi military.[42] However, this move quickly became a source of controversy. Despite official statements, numerous reports and eyewitness accounts indicated that the army was largely absent from the streets. A false claim that the army had been deployed to protect Hindus in Bangladesh went viral, further fueling confusion and frustration among the affected communities.[43]
In an attempt to address the escalating crisis, the Bangladesh Army released helpline numbers specifically for the Hindu community, promising assistance amid the rising violence. However, this gesture was widely criticized as inadequate and largely symbolic, given the absence of a tangible military presence on the ground. The lack of army deployment, despite government assurances, left many questioning the government's sincerity and capability in protecting minority communities.[44][45]
The interim government's failure to provide sufficient security has been a focal point of the ongoing crisis. With police stations under attack and officers unable to fulfill their duties, and the army seemingly absent, the protection of minority communities, particularly Hindus, became an increasingly daunting challenge.[46] [47]The absence of a dependable and visible security presence only intensified the fear and insecurity felt by these vulnerable populations.
Interim Prime Minister Muhammad Yunus publicly appealed for calm, urging all citizens to uphold the rule of law and protect minority communities.[48]
Communities and Students Protect Temples
editAfter Sheikh Hasina's resignation, attacks on minorities erupted in various parts of Bangladesh, but in many regions, students and local residents banded together to protect temples from harm. In Dhaka, the Dhakeshwari National Temple was guarded by local Hindu residents, with both Muslim and Hindu neighbors uniting to ensure its safety. Raj Ghosh, one of the protectors, voiced his frustration that those who had previously benefited from the temple were now absent when it needed protection the most, underscoring that the temple's security was deeply connected to the country’s overall stability. Ranjan Kumar Das, another defender, expressed concerns that the temple could be targeted, especially given the widespread attacks on minorities, and praised the unity displayed by Muslim brothers who stood by them. This sense of solidarity was echoed by Rafid Azad, a law student from Dhaka University, who had been guarding the Ramna Kali Temple and mentioned that students were organizing networks nationwide to strategically protect minorities and temples. Meanwhile, at the Iskon Swamibag Temple, although there were no physical guards, messages of unity and reassurance were displayed, with Durlav Harinam Das, a member of Iskon, highlighting the strong community bonds in the area that alleviated fears.[49] Across the country, as unrest spread, student organizations and youth wings of political parties took proactive steps to safeguard religious sites, with images of their efforts widely circulating on social media. In Chittagong, students armed with sticks and poles stood guard over temples in Nandirhat and Fatehabad, while in Comilla, Muslim clerics protected temples overnight. In Bagerhat, Khulna, student units of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party organized teams to guard over 100 major temples, although many remained unprotected due to the volatile political situation.[50]
Responses and Reactions to the Situation
editInternational Organizations
editUnited Nations
editA spokesperson for UN Secretary-General António Guterres condemned the violence against Hindu minorities in Bangladesh, emphasizing that the global body stands firmly against racially motivated attacks and incitement to violence. Farhan Haq, Deputy Spokesperson for the Secretary-General, underscored the need for the violence to be curbed, highlighting the UN's commitment to ensuring the safety of all communities during this turbulent period in Bangladesh. Haq was responding to concerns over the recent escalation of violence, which has seen the burning of temples, homes, and businesses owned by Hindus across the country. Gwyn Lewis, the UN Resident Coordinator in Bangladesh, reiterated the UN's support for peace and inclusivity, aligning with the newly appointed interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus.[51][52]
European Union
editThe European Union (EU) expressed grave concern over the attacks, particularly in light of the political instability following Sheikh Hasina’s resignation. EU diplomats in Bangladesh described the situation as alarming, especially given the targeted attacks on Hindu-owned businesses and places of worship. Charles Whiteley, the EU Ambassador to Bangladesh, called for calm and urged all parties to exercise restraint, reject communal violence, and uphold the human rights of all Bangladeshis. The EU's statement highlighted the critical need to protect minority groups during this time of unrest.[53]
Various individuals' advice, comments, and actions
editSuvendu Adhikari’s Emphasis on CAA
editWest Bengal BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari emphasized the necessity of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) in light of the alleged attacks on Hindus and temples in Bangladesh. He mentioned that Home Minister Amit Shah assured him that the Indian government is taking appropriate action on the matter. Adhikari criticized opposition parties, including the Trinamul Congress, for not acknowledging the importance of the CAA. He shared a personal story about his mother leaving Bangladesh due to targeted attacks on minorities and expressed confidence in the Indian government’s ability to take necessary steps.[54]
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar
editExternal Affairs Minister S Jaishankar expressed deep concern over the situation in Bangladesh, particularly regarding the status of minority communities. He assured that India is in regular contact with authorities in Dhaka to address these issues and emphasized India’s commitment to monitoring the situation closely.[54]
Shri Thanedar
editCongressman Shri Thanedar called for the United States to assist the new government in Bangladesh to ensure that violence and civil unrest come to an end. He urged the Biden administration to grant temporary protected status to persecuted Bangladeshi Hindus and other religious minorities as refugees. Thanedar highlighted that many in the international community, including some from his own district, have condemned the violent actions against minority groups in Bangladesh.[55]
Raja Krishnamoorthi
editCongressman Raja Krishnamoorthi provided historical context to the anti-Hindu violence in Bangladesh, citing previous incidents in 2021 and 2017. He appealed to US Secretary of State Antony Blinken to use US influence to help end the violence and hold perpetrators accountable. Krishnamoorthi stressed the importance of addressing the root causes of religious intolerance and violence in the region.[55]
Public Protests
editHundreds of people took to the streets of Dhaka to protest against the attacks on the country’s minority Hindus. The protestors chanted slogans of “Who are we, Bangali Bangali” and carried posters and placards demanding protection for Bangladeshi minorities. They blocked an intersection in the city, appealing for peace and urging the government to take action to safeguard minority communities.[55]
See also
editFreedom of religion in Bangladesh
2021 anti-Hindu violence in Bangladesh
2014 Bangladesh anti-Hindu violence
2013 Bangladesh anti-Hindu violence
References
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Category:Violence against Hindus
Category:Anti-Hindu violence in Bangladesh
Category:2024 riots
Category:August 2024 crimes in Asia
Category:Religious riots in Bangladesh
Category:Mass murder in 2024
Category:Attacks on buildings and structures in 2024
Category:Attacks on religious buildings and structures in Bangladesh
Category:21st-century mass murder in Bangladesh