Student leaders in Bangladesh have called for support to protect Hindu temples and churches following reports of attacks on minority groups, raising concerns among diplomats and human rights organizations. This comes in the wake of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s departure from the country amidst widespread protests against her government.
After the prime minister fled on Monday, both euphoria and violence were reported across the nation, including looting and the destruction of national monuments and public buildings. Opposition politicians have urged for the protection of all Bangladeshis “regardless of religion and politics” against discriminatory violence, following reports of attacks on both temples and churches.
In Chittagong, the country’s second-largest city, students were seen safeguarding Hindu temples and other places of worship. Russell Ahmed, a coordinator at Chittagong University, told Bangla Tribune: “Instigators are systematically attacking various public and private institutions to prove that the students’ movement is wrong. To prevent attacks on temples and churches, we have formed a committee in each district to maintain vigilance.”
In the capital, Dhaka, a Muslim man was seen praying in front of the Dhakeshwari Temple to protect it from attacks. According to Saif Ahmed, social media manager for the Bangla Tigers cricket team, citizens of different faiths are supporting each other during this time of uncertainty.
Nahid Islam, a student from Dhaka University and one of the protest leaders, told local media: “We have no factions or divisions among us. We are against any form of religious provocation, sabotage, or division. We will prevent such attempts.”
The main opposition party, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), has also urged people to exercise restraint. Tarique Rahman, the party’s acting chairman, wrote on X (formerly Twitter): “It is our duty to protect all Bangladeshis regardless of religion and politics from discriminatory violence.”
Monday was the deadliest day of unrest since the protests began last month, with at least 122 lives lost. Reports from Rana Dasgupta, Secretary General of the Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council, reveal that over 97 sites have been attacked, vandalized, and looted within just two days.
Iftekharuzzaman, head of Transparency International Bangladesh, emphasized that such attacks on minorities go against the fundamental spirit of the anti-discrimination student movement. The events have drawn international attention; India’s Foreign Minister and the U.S. Embassy in Dhaka have both expressed concern over the attacks on religious minorities.
The EU Ambassador to Bangladesh, Charles Whiteley, also voiced his concern over the reported attacks on places of worship and members of religious and ethnic minorities.