NEW DELHI: It seems the antiquota protests in Bangladesh have turned into anti Hindu violence as two Hindu councillors were among the 100 people killed in Sunday’s violent clashes across the country that also saw several homes and temples of Hindus, including ISKCON and Kali temples, being targeted, forcing devotees to seek shelter, according to local reports. Bangladeshi Islamists have also set the Hindu Notun Kali Temple on fire in Moulvibazar.
Among those killed were two Hindu councillors, Haradhan Roy and Kajal Roy, both from Rangpur. Haradhan Roy, a member of the Parshuram Thana Awami League and councillor for Ward 4 in Rangpur City Corporation, was reportedly shot dead during the clashes. Kajal Roy, another Hindu councillor from Rangpur, also lost his life amid the violence.
The violent confrontations began early Sunday morning and quickly spread across various regions of Bangladesh. Protesters, many of whom were demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, clashed with supporters of the ruling Awami League party. The chaos resulted in at least 98 deaths, including 14 police officers, and has pushed the total number of casualties since protests began in early July to approximately 300, according to media reports citing police, government officials, and medical sources.
The intensity of the clashes has led to severe measures by the government, including a nationwide curfew imposed indefinitely and the suspension of mobile internet services. These actions aim to curb the spread of violence and control the situation but have also raised concerns about the impact on everyday life and communication for citizens.
Meanwhile on August 5, protestors in Bangladesh stormed the Prime Minister’s official residence on Monday, shortly after Sheikh Hasina tendered her resignation and left the country accompanied by her sister.
Local media reported that Sheikh Hasina and her sister, Sheikh Rehana, fled Dhaka for an undisclosed location.
Flight tracking website, Flight Radar reported that a Bangladesh Air Force C130J had taken off from Bangladesh and entered Indian Air Space.
Agitators also set on fire Awami League president Sheikh Hasina’s office at 3/A Dhanmondi in Dhaka. Protesters were seen chanting slogans and celebrating the news of Sheikh Hasina’s resignation.
Many people also entered the Ganabhabhan, the Prime Minister’s official residence after it was reported that Shiekh Hasina had fled Dhaka after resigning from her position. Prothom Alo reported that protestors were seen cheering with their hands raised on the ground of Ganabhaban. They were head chanting slogans, the local media reported.
Earlier today, Bangladesh Chief of Army Staff General Waqar-uz-Zaman in a televised address confirmed that Sheikh Hasina had resigned from the post of Prime Minister and left the country.
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