Nearly 232 deaths reported in Bangladesh following Sheikh Hasina’s ouster

The protests across the country began in July against a quota system for government jobs that coalesced into a movement against Sheikh Hasina’s government.

On Friday, hundreds of people gathered in Dhaka to protest against the violence targeting the country’s Hindu minority since former Sheikh Hasina resigned and fled the country earlier this week.

A school teacher was killed, and at least 45 people were injured as homes, businesses, and temples belonging to Hindus were targeted following Sheikh Hasina’s resignation on Monday in Bangladesh.

Protesters in Dhaka, some carrying posters demanding the protection of Bangladeshi minorities, blocked an intersection in the capital on Friday, chanting slogans of “Who are we? Bengali, Bengali,”.

Hindus, make up about 8% of Bangladesh’s population of 170 million, have traditionally supported Hasina’s Awami League party. Tensions have risen after violent clashes last month between anti-reservation protesters and governemnt security forces, sparking widespread anger.

According to Reuters, the Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council estimates that communal violence has affected at least 52 of the country’s 64 districts since August 5. The council has taken the assistance of Nobel Peace Prize-winning economist Muhammad Yunus, who assumed leadership of a caretaker administration on Thursday. In an open letter on Friday, the council expressed deep concern, stating, “There is deep apprehension, anxiety, and uncertainty among minorities across the country.”

The office of the United Nations Secretary-General called for the violence in Bangladesh to be “tamped down” and condemned any “racially based attacks” or “racially based incitement to violence.”

Thousands of Bangladeshi Hindus have attempted to flee to India to escape the violence. With Hasina now taking refuge in India amid mass protests against her rule, tensions between the two nations have risen.

Mohammad Rakibul Hasan, a local government official in Thakurgaon district in northwestern Bangladesh, said around 700-800 Hindus tried to flee to India around Wednesday evening after some of their houses were attacked and looted. “They returned home after we provided protection,” Hasan told Reuters. “Border guard troops are patrolling the area. Everything is fine now with no further reports of violence.”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has appealed for the “safety and protection” of Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh in a message on X on Thursday.

In a televised address after taking the oath of office, Yunus stated that his government’s goal would be to ensure “democracy, justice, human rights, and full freedom of fearless expression” for all.

As per Reuters, Bangladesh’s Hindu community leaders urged other communities to look after the religious minorities. “I call upon the conscientious people of the country to forget all differences and stand unitedly by the side of the affected people and build social resistance,” said Moyna Talukdar of the Bangladesh Hindu Law Reform Council.