At Least 50 Hindu Teachers Forced To Resign In Bangladesh Amid Attacks On Minorities Following Sheikh Hasina's Ouster

The Hindu minority in Bangladesh is facing increasing challenges, with a significant number of teachers being forced to resign from their government positions following the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government.

In the midst of escalating attacks on minorities, at least 50 Hindu educators have been pressured into leaving their jobs. Although a list of these teachers has been obtained, the true number of those forced to resign could be much higher.

One notable case involves Shukla Rani Halder, the principal of Bakerganj Government College in Barishal. On 29 August, a group of students and outsiders stormed her office, demanding her resignation, according to Bangladeshi daily Prothom Alo.

After enduring hours of intimidation, a distraught Halder was left with no option but to write "I resign" on a blank piece of paper.

Similarly, on 18 August, around 50 students at Azimpur Government Girls' School and College confronted principal Geetanjali Barua, demanding her resignation along with those of assistant headteacher Gautam Chandra Paul and physical education teacher Shahnaza Akhter.

Barua recounted to the Daily Star that before August 18, there had been no demands for her resignation. However, that morning, students forcibly entered her office and subjected her to humiliation.

These incidents are not isolated, as similar occurrences have been reported across the country. Videos circulating on social media depict teachers and academic administrators being coerced into signing resignation letters while being surrounded by chanting and jeering students.

Amid this worsening situation, Hindu educators in Bangladesh are increasingly fearful and feel powerless.

Shanjay Kumar Mukharjee, an Associate Professor in the Department of Public Administration and Governance Studies at Kabi Nazrul University, shared with India Today that he was forced to resign from his roles as Proctor and Head of the Department, highlighting the vulnerability of Hindu educators at this time.

The Bangladesh Chhatra Oikya Parishad, the student wing of the Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Oikya Parishad, condemned these actions in a press conference, addressing the rising intolerance faced by the Hindu community.

Exiled Bangladeshi author Taslima Nasreen criticized the military-backed Muhammad Yunus government for failing to protect minorities, pointing out the increasing violence and harassment against various groups in the country.