‘Hindus were attacked in Bangladesh, houses and religious places were set on fire’, Jamaat-e-Islami itself admitted

In a dramatic development, the political scenario of Bangladesh has been turned upside down with the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina amid widespread protests and civil war-like conditions. The situation deteriorated so much that Sheikh Hasina had to flee her country to India. Bangladesh Army Chief Waqar-uz-Zaman has announced that an interim government will be formed to take the country out of this period of political instability and establish peace.

However, after the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government, Hindu minorities and their homes, business establishments and properties have been targeted on a large scale in Bangladesh. Bangladesh’s fundamentalist party Jamaat-e-Islami itself has issued a statement admitting that Hindu minorities are being targeted. Jamaat-e-Islami has said, ‘Due to the provocative speech of some individuals, a group of miscreants started vandalism in cities-ports-villages. In some areas, government buildings, houses of opponents and places of worship of different religions have been attacked. There have also been incidents of looting and arson. A sensible person cannot do this.’

Jamaat-e-Islami said, ‘We have condemned these acts of miscreants many times and are still doing so. In these circumstances, we have called upon the countrymen as well as the members of our organization to play the role of guardians in protecting the properties of people of all religions. There is no majority or minority in our country. All people born in this country, irrespective of caste, religion and colour, are citizens of this country and all have equal rights. Therefore, the question of majority or minority is invalid.’

Attacks on Hindus in 27 districts of Bangladesh

Bangladesh’s leading newspaper ‘The Daily Star’ reported yesterday that in at least 27 districts of the country, mobs attacked, vandalised and set fire to Hindu homes and business establishments and looted goods. In Dhaka’s Dhanmondi, singer Rahul Anand’s house was set on fire. This house was about 140 years old. The mob vandalised the Dhanuka Mansa Bari temple in Shariatpur. They vandalised the idols of Radha-Krishna and also damaged all the 16 CCTV cameras installed in the temple premises.

Apart from this, five temples including a Kali temple were attacked in Parbatipur Upazila of the district. The Dinajpur crematorium was also vandalised by the miscreants. The houses of some Hindu families were attacked in Chirirbandar Upazila. The place designated for Harishobha there was also vandalised. According to the daily report, the affected villagers informed the police but the police did not take any action. In Birampur Upazila, the house of Dilip Kundu, who runs a fertilizer and pesticide business, was attacked. His shops were vandalised and looted by the miscreants.

Bodies of 20 Awami League leaders recovered

Bodies of at least 20 Awami League leaders and their family members were recovered. At least 10 people were killed in Satkhira on Monday after news broke that Sheikh Hasina had resigned as prime minister and was leaving the country. Houses and business establishments of several Awami League leaders and workers were vandalised and looted. Similar incidents have been reported in at least 27 districts. Several police stations were set on fire, arms and ammunition were looted, creating a serious sense of insecurity among people, especially minority Hindus, in the capital Dhaka and other parts of the country.