Was the Attack on Hindus and Bangladesh Riot a Calculated Move by the President & Army to Seize Power?
Hours after Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigned and fled the country on Monday amidst mass protests, panic and violence erupted, leaving minority communities in fear. A development professional in Dhaka, Avirup Sarkar, received a frantic call from his cousin detailing a terrifying ordeal.
A Nation in Turmoil
Avirup Sarkar, a Bangladeshi Hindu, resides in a predominantly Muslim country. His widowed cousin, living in a joint family house in Netrokona, about 100km north of Dhaka, described a horrifying attack. A mob of about 100 people, armed with sticks, stormed their home, smashing everything in sight and looting cash and jewelry. Although the residents, including children, were spared physical assault, the terror they faced was unmistakable. “You people are descendants of the Awami League! This country is in bad shape because of you. You should leave the country,” the mob shouted before leaving.
Systematic Targeting of Minorities
Mr. Sarkar wasn’t surprised. Hindus in Bangladesh are often seen as supporters of Sheikh Hasina’s secular Awami League party and become easy targets whenever political turmoil arises. Following Hasina’s departure, social media exploded with reports of attacks on Hindu properties and temples. India’s Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar expressed grave concerns about these attacks, highlighting the peril faced by minorities.
Historical Precedents of Violence
This wasn’t the first attack on Mr. Sarkar’s family. In 1992, after the Babri mosque in India was demolished, his cousin’s house was ransacked. Over the decades, thousands of attacks on Hindus have been reported, with Ain o Salish Kendra documenting at least 3,679 attacks from January 2013 to September 2021, including vandalism, arson, and targeted violence.
Recent Attacks and Community Fear
On Monday, Mr. Sarkar’s parents faced similar threats in Kishoreganj. Thanks to their well-known status in the community, their home was spared, but others nearby were not as fortunate. Hindu households were looted, including a friend’s gold shop. Meanwhile, in Sherpur, Mr. Sarkar’s wife’s neighborhood also saw looting and violence against Hindu homes.
National Crisis and Leadership Vacuum
Amidst the chaos, Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus has been appointed to lead an interim government following Hasina’s resignation. This decision, announced after a meeting involving President Mohammed Shahabuddin and military and student leaders, comes after weeks of protests that started against government job quotas and evolved into an anti-Hasina movement. Despite attempts to suppress the unrest, the military ultimately turned against Hasina, forcing her to flee to India.
International Response
The international community is closely watching these developments. US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller emphasized the need for the interim government to respect democratic principles. Additionally, there were reports of a prison break in Gazipur, further highlighting the escalating unrest.
Conclusion
The resignation and flight of Sheikh Hasina have plunged Bangladesh into a state of lawlessness, with Hindu minorities facing the wrath of mob violence. The international community must hold Bangladesh accountable for protecting all its citizens, regardless of religion, and ensure that the nation moves towards a future of peace and equality.
