Bangladesh's Interim Government Pledges To Address Attacks On Minorities Amid Protests By Hindus Worldwide

On Sunday (11 August), Bangladesh's new interim government announced it is addressing attacks on Hindus and other religious minorities that emerged following the sudden removal of Sheikh Hasina.

In predominantly Muslim Bangladesh, Hindus represent the largest minority faith and have been a loyal support base for Hasina's Awami League party.

Since Hasina came to India after resigning from the post of Prime Minister, there have been multiple reports of violence targeting Hindu homes, temples, and businesses.

"The attacks on religious minorities in some places have been noted with grave concern," the interim Cabinet said in its first official statement since its appointment on Thursday.

The Cabinet said it would "immediately sit with the representative bodies and other concerned groups to find ways to resolve such heinous attacks".

Meanwhile, Hindus in Bangladesh, as well as many other countries like Canada, US, UK and India staged massive protests. The Bangladesh protest was under the banner of Bangladesh Hindu, Buddha, Christian Unity Group.

While waving the Bangladeshi national flag along with a saffron-colour flag depicting Lord Ram with 'Jai Shri Ram' written, the protestors in Chittagong questioned why their temples are being attacked.

The placards read, "We need answers. Why is this happening to us? We want to live in peace. Let us live," and "Why are our sisters and mothers being physically harassed?"

Some other placards read, "Our soil, our mother is Bangladesh. We will never leave our mother" and "Save Bangladeshi Hindu Society. Save Hindus!"