Temples, Business Establishments of Hindus Being Targeted by Violent Mobs in Bangladesh

New Delhi: Hindu temples and business establishments owned by Hindus are being attacked by violent mobs in Bangladesh after the fall of the government of Sheikh Hasina.

The leaders of the mass movement that toppled the Awami League government in Bangladesh have called upon the people not to target the Hindu minority. In some places, Hindus and their temples are being guarded by Muslims and Hindus together.

Hindus are only 8 per cent of Bangladesh’s 17 crore population. They are being targeted as they were traditional supporters of Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League. The opposition BNP and Jamat-e-Islami are Islamist hardliners.

Tarique Rahman, BNP leader and son of former PM Khaleda Zia in an appeal on X and said, “I call upon the people of Bangladesh to display restraint and calm in the midst of this transitional moment on our democratic path. It is our duty to protect all Bangladeshis, irrespective of religion and politics, from discriminatory violence, and not to harass any particular community, create division, or seek vengeance. Muslims, Hindus, Christians, Buddhists, believers, atheists – no one will be left behind or be prejudiced on our democratic path; together, we are all proudly Bangladeshis.”

The Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council has told Reuters that 200-300 homes, mainly those owned by Hindus, and businesses had been targeted since Monday. About 15-20 Hindu temples had been vandalised and 40-odd people injured.

Pradip Kumar Bhowmik, a journalist with Daily Khoborpatra, died after being attacked by a mob attack on Rayganj Press Club in Sirajganj. A total of 25 journalists were injured in incidents of assaults across the country, The Daily Star reported.

Dhaka Tribune reported that at at least three temples, Hindus and Muslims guarded the places of worship. At Dhakeshwari National Temple, both Muslim and Hindu neighbours are guarding to protect the temple.

At Ramna Kali Temple, Dhaka University students are taking turns to guard the temple.

Addressing the Parliament on the situation in Bangladesh, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Tuesday said India is “deeply concerned” over the situation in Bangladesh, especially about the minority community. “We are monitoring the situation with regard to the status of minorities. There are reports of initiatives by various groups and organisations to ensure their protection and well-being. We welcome that, but will naturally remain deeply concerned till law and order is visibly restored.” he said.

The minister said New Delhi is in “close and continuous” touch with the Indian community in Bangladesh through diplomatic missions.