In a bid to address the ongoing violence against Hindus and other minority groups in Bangladesh, interim leader Muhammad Yunus has scheduled a crucial meeting with Hindu students and community representatives on Monday. The interim government indicated that the dialogue would center on resolving the current crisis and ensuring the safety and security of the Hindu population.
Reports indicate that minority communities in Bangladesh have experienced at least 205 incidents of violence across 52 districts since the fall of the Sheikh Hasina-led government on August 5. “The attacks on religious minorities in some places have been noted with grave concern,” the interim government stated on Sunday. This marked the administration’s first official communication since the new cabinet members were sworn in.
In light of the escalating situation, minority groups have been vocally demanding the introduction of a minority protection law to secure their rights. A group of Hindu students has compiled an eight-point list of demands, which they plan to present to Yunus during the meeting.
Among their demands are the establishment of a fast-track tribunal for swift prosecution of cases involving attacks on Hindus, the urgent passing of a minority protection law, upgrading the Hindu Religious Welfare Trust to a foundation, modernizing the Pali Education Board, declaring a five-day holiday during the Sharadiya Durga Puja, and creating a Ministry of Minority Affairs.
Muhammad Yunus has previously condemned the violence against minority communities, labeling the attacks as “heinous.” He has also called on the youth to actively protect Hindu, Christian, and Buddhist families.
