Bangladesh Unrest: Hindu Temples Attacked Amid Crisis

Bangladesh is in turmoil following the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The political crisis has led to widespread unrest, with significant impacts on religious and cultural sites. This article provides detailed coverage of the ongoing situation, highlighting key events and their implications.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Resigns

On Monday, Bangladesh’s political landscape shifted dramatically as Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigned amid violent student protests. These protests were triggered by a controversial government jobs quota scheme. The Army chief confirmed Hasina’s resignation and her departure from the country, stating that the military would assist in forming an interim government.

Casualties and Violence

The unrest has resulted in at least 56 deaths, according to reports from AFP. The violence has been particularly intense, with clashes reported across the country.

Parliament Dissolved

In response to the political upheaval, President Mohammed Shahabuddin dissolved the Parliament. An interim government is expected to assume control, aiming to stabilize the country.

Impact on Hindu Community

The unrest has also severely affected the Hindu community in Bangladesh. Four Hindu temples across the country have suffered minor damage. Additionally, an Indian cultural center in Dhaka was vandalized. The damage to these sites reflects the broader sectarian tensions exacerbated by the political crisis.

Statements from Indian Leaders

West Bengal BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari has expressed concerns that the violence in Bangladesh could lead to a massive influx of refugees into West Bengal. Adhikari claims that over one crore refugees might seek shelter in India due to the ongoing violence against Hindus in Bangladesh.

Mamata Banerjee’s Appeal

In response to the potential for unrest spilling over into India, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has called for peace. She urged citizens to remain calm and avoid provocative actions.

Meghalaya Imposes Night Curfew

To manage the situation along the border, Meghalaya has implemented a night curfew. This measure aims to prevent the unrest from affecting the region and to maintain security.

Vandalism of Cultural and Religious Sites

The violence has extended to cultural and religious sites, including the Indira Gandhi Cultural Centre in Dhaka and the Bangabandhu Memorial Museum. Eyewitnesses reported that the museum, dedicated to Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Hasina’s father, was set on fire. The vandalism underscores the severity of the current unrest.

Reports from Social Media

Social media platforms have been abuzz with reports of further violence. Accounts on X (formerly Twitter) have highlighted brutal attacks and the targeting of Hindu communities. These reports have amplified concerns over the safety of minority groups and the need for intervention.

Unfortunate realities of our neighborhood.
Let us ensure religious extremism never takes charge of our Beloved Bharat. 🙏🏽-Sg#Bangladesh pic.twitter.com/OerhdezFT9

— Sadhguru (@SadhguruJV) August 5, 2024

Hindu temples are being burnt.
Hindu women are being r@ped.
Hindu men, women & children are being killed.

Hindus in Bangladesh facing burburism of Jamaat-e-Islami.

This is what happens when Hindus become minority. Bangladesh has become Pakistan for Hindus. We can only cry 😢 pic.twitter.com/6qfzDI7Deb

— Baba Banaras™ (@RealBababanaras) August 5, 2024

Reportedly Over 500 Hindus have been killed, 100s of Hindu women r@ped, Dozens of Hindu temples have been burnt in ongoing attacks of terrorists of Jamaat-e-Islami in Bangladesh.

Where are those Urduwoodiyas were crying on Gaza, Rafah & Palestine ?#AllEyesOnBangladeshiHindus pic.twitter.com/htdZLd5tHO

— Baba Banaras™ (@RealBababanaras) August 5, 2024

Bangabandhu paying the price for creating #Bangladesh. pic.twitter.com/Aag37zXP5d

— Pooja Mehta (@pooja_news) August 5, 2024

Who are these people vandalising the statue of Father of the nation of #Bangladesh, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman?

They sure aren’t the protesting students. pic.twitter.com/ytFRRvMRRu

— Pooja Mehta (@pooja_news) August 5, 2024

#Bangladesh’s Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s mural being vandalised. pic.twitter.com/cYlqswSoHj

— Pooja Mehta (@pooja_news) August 5, 2024

The ongoing unrest in Bangladesh has led to significant loss of life, damage to cultural and religious sites, and heightened tensions with neighboring India. As the situation evolves, the international community and regional authorities must work to address the crisis and support affected communities.

Aakhir Tak Editor-in-Chief

See Full Bio