The latest media reports claim that the Bangladesh’s interim government has charged 19 Hindu individuals with sedition after a saffron flag was reportedly raised over the national flag. At least two people have been detained in connection with the case. This development has sparked large-scale protests from the Hindu community, calling for the establishment of laws and a tribunal dedicated to safeguarding minority rights.
The fact stands that since the ousting of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, attacks on Hindus and other minority groups in Bangladesh have reportedly surged. The former US President and Presidential candidate, Donald Trump addressed the issue, voicing concerns over the hardships faced by Hindus in Bangladesh.
However, in the latest development, tens of thousands of Hindus gathered in Bangladesh’s Chattogram city on Friday, urging the interim government to ensure their safety amid a reported surge in attacks targeting the minority community. The protesters also demanded the withdrawal of recent sedition charges against prominent Hindu leaders, claiming they are facing harassment amid the country’s shifting political landscape.
According to local reports, the rally saw around 30,000 Hindu community members chanting slogans for justice and equal rights, while security forces, including police and military personnel, monitored the demonstration closely. Similar gatherings were reported in other cities as the community rallied for its rights and safety.
Recent Spike in Attacks on Hindu Community
Hindu organizations report that incidents of violence and harassment have escalated since August, when a series of student-led protests led to the ouster of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and the establishment of an interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus. Hasina, known for her secular policies, left the country following her removal. The Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council, a prominent organization representing minority interests, claims that more than 2,000 incidents of violence against Hindus have taken place since August 4. However, Yunus has disputed the figures, suggesting they may be exaggerated.
The Hindu community, which constitutes about 8% of Bangladesh’s population of nearly 170 million, has historically faced periods of tension and harassment. Following the recent shift in government, many within the community have voiced concerns over a resurgence in influence by hardline Islamist factions, which they fear could jeopardize their safety and fundamental rights.
Controversial Sedition Charges Against Hindu Leaders
Friday’s rally was largely triggered by sedition charges filed earlier in the week against 19 Hindu leaders, including Chandan Kumar Dhar, a prominent priest, over alleged misconduct at a rally on October 25. The charges were based on an incident in which a saffron flag was allegedly raised over the national flag during the rally, which authorities interpreted as a sign of disrespect toward the Bangladeshi flag.
The detention of two Hindu leaders under these charges has further fueled outrage within the community. Protesters have called the charges “baseless” and demanded their immediate dismissal, viewing them as an attempt to suppress Hindu voices.
The Awami League, Sheikh Hasina’s party, and its allied Jatiya Party have also alleged that their supporters have become targets since the change in leadership. Late Thursday, the Jatiya Party’s headquarters in Dhaka was reportedly vandalized and set on fire, adding to the growing instability. G M Quader, Jatiya Party’s chairman, condemned the incident and announced plans for a separate rally in Dhaka on Saturday, where supporters will protest against rising commodity prices and charges they claim are politically motivated.
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