New Delhi: Following the ousting of Sheikh Hasina from her position as Prime Minister, the Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)] Politburo has expressed concern over attacks on Hindu temples in Bangladesh. The CPI(M) has called on the interim government in Bangladesh to take necessary measures to ensure the safety of minority communities.
Since the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government, religious extremists have targeted the minority community in Bangladesh. Numerous Hindu temples, homes, and business establishments have been destroyed in these attacks. Additionally, two Hindu leaders associated with the Awami League party have been killed in the violence. The CPI(M) has demanded that the Indian government intervene urgently to prevent further escalation of the attacks.
Reports indicate that Hindus in Bangladesh are living in severe fear due to the rise in attacks against minorities. Online platforms are amplifying the situation with fake and inflammatory propaganda. Thousands of Hindus held a rally at Dhaka University the previous day, demanding that the interim government ensure their safety. The Awami League party, led by Hasina, had provided strong support to Hindus, but with the government’s collapse following anti-government protests, widespread violence against Hindus has ensued.
Human rights organizations report that over 200 attacks on minorities occurred in Bangladesh during the student protests that began in mid-July. Hindus make up eight percent of Bangladesh’s 170 million population, and they are the largest religious minority in the country.
