Bangladesh Crisis Deepens: Hindus Stage Protests Over Targeted Violence, Muhammad Yunus Vows Action

Dhaka: Bangladesh is gripped by escalating turmoil as student-led protests have led to the resignation of several top officials, including the Chief Justice and the central bank governor. The unrest has also triggered widespread demonstrations by the minority Hindu community, who have increasingly become targets of violence.

Over the weekend, thousands of Hindus took to the streets in Dhaka and Chattogram, demanding protection and justice following a series of attacks on temples, homes and businesses.

Interim leader Muhammad Yunus condemned the attacks on minorities, describing them as “heinous”, and said that restoring law and order is the government’s top priority.

As per reports, at least two Hindu leaders have been killed since the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who fled to India.

Facing continuous attacks, the Hindu community has demanded the establishment of special tribunals to expedite the trials of those persecuting minorities. They have also called for the allocation of 10 percent of parliamentary seats for minorities and the enactment of a minority protection law.

Muhammad Yunus, the Chief Advisor to the newly formed caretaker government, urged the youth to protect minority communities. “You saved the country; now, can’t you save a few families?… They are my brothers; we fought together, and we will stay together,” he remarked.

The political crisis has led to the resignation of several high-profile figures. Chief Justice Obaidul Hassan, viewed as a loyalist of Sheikh Hasina, stepped down on Saturday after students surrounded the Supreme Court in Dhaka and threatened severe consequences. Additionally, Bangladesh Bank Governor Abdur Rouf Talukder resigned amid the upheaval, though his resignation is yet to be accepted. ASM Maksud Kamal, the Vice-Chancellor of Dhaka University, also resigned following the student protests, as per reports.