The Hindu Jagran Manch, an RSS-affiliated activist group, staged a protest outside the Bangladesh High Commission in Kolkata in response to attacks on Hindu communities in Bangladesh during ongoing political unrest. Hindus make up 8 per cent of Bangladesh’s 170 million people and have traditionally supported the Awami League party, which is considered largely secular.
The removal of Sheikh Hasina and the lack of a functioning government for the past week have increased the risk of atrocities against vulnerable groups such as Hindus, Christians, and Buddhists.
Following the fall of Sheikh Hasina and the Awami League government, homes belonging to the Ahmadi Muslim minority were also set on fire on Monday.
Students leading the protests have called on people not to target minority communities and have even offered to protect temples from vandals. However, many Hindu community leaders still feel unsafe due to the absence of a functioning government.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said on Tuesday that the Centre is “monitoring the situation concerning minorities” and will continue to monitor the neighbouring country until law and order are restored.
Meanwhile, Bangladesh is preparing to form its first interim government in 15 years following Sheikh Hasina’s tenure. Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus will be sworn in at 8 pm on Thursday, having been appointed to the position with the agreement of civic groups, student protesters, and the military.
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