‘Very Concerned’: Bangladesh Interim Government Dismisses Attacks on Minorities Amid Rising Violence

In the wake of escalating violence targeting Hindus and other religious minorities across Bangladesh, the new interim government has minimized the severity of the attacks.

Brigadier General (Retired) M. Sakhawat Hossain, who oversees the interior ministry, expressed concern about the violence but described reports of the incidents as “slightly exaggerated.” Hossain is among the 16 advisors assisting Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus in the interim government, which took charge after Sheikh Hasina was ousted earlier this month following widespread protests against her 15-year rule.

In recent days, mobs have rampaged through Bangladesh, vandalizing Hindu homes, temples, and cultural centers. This surge in violence has prompted many Hindus in northwest Bangladesh to flee to India, though they were later forced to return following government intervention.

Hossain emphasized that addressing law and order issues is the interim government’s top priority. He acknowledged that police morale is critically low, contributing to the current lawlessness. “The law enforcement agencies need to be given confidence so they can effectively return to their duties,” Hossain said. He also noted that restoring order would require time and suggested reforms might be necessary to bolster police effectiveness.

The recent upheaval has left the country in turmoil, with police stations and personnel being targeted in the chaos. Prior to Hasina’s removal, violent clashes between anti-Hasina forces—including student protesters, the pro-Pakistan Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), and Islamist Jamaat-e-Islami—and the police resulted in the deaths of 13 officers in a single attack, contributing to the current lack of police presence.

Despite the military’s assumption of control, it has not intervened to curb the violence against minorities or political opponents of Hasina’s Bangladesh Awami League (BAL) party. The interim government’s stance on the issue has drawn criticism for downplaying the severity of the situation amidst ongoing attacks and unrest.

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