Lakhs of Hindus took to the streets across Bangladesh on Saturday, demanding protection from escalating attacks on their community following the resignation and flight of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to India.
The protests, the largest since Hasina's departure, were held in major cities including Dhaka and Chittagong, drawing massive crowds amid growing fears for the safety of religious minorities.
Spiralling violence and mass exodus
The violence, which erupted after the fall of Hasina's government on August 5, has resulted in over 205 reported incidents of attacks on minority communities across 52 districts in Bangladesh.
Homes, businesses, and religious sites have been targeted, with hundreds of Hindus injured and several temples vandalised.
The violence has also claimed the lives of at least two Hindu leaders affiliated with Hasina's Awami League party.
As the situation worsens, thousands of Hindus are reportedly seeking refuge in neighbouring India, hoping to escape the targeted violence. The desperation is palpable as families flee with little more than the clothes on their backs, fearing further assaults.
Demands for justice
In Dhaka, protestors gathered at Shahbagh, blocking traffic for over three hours as they demanded swift justice for the victims.
Key demands included the establishment of special tribunals to expedite the trials of those persecuting minorities, the allocation of 10% of parliamentary seats for minority communities, and the enactment of a minority protection law.
The protests saw an outpouring of support from Muslim students and other groups who joined the Hindu demonstrators in a show of solidarity.
In Chittagong, over seven lakh people reportedly gathered at Cheragi Pahar Square, adding to the nationwide outcry.
Yunus responds
Muhammad Yunus, Bangladesh's interim leader and Nobel laureate, condemned the attacks, calling them "heinous" and urging the nation to protect its vulnerable communities.
Yunus appealed directly to the student protesters, urging them to defend Hindu, Christian, and Buddhist families from harm.
"Are they not the people of this country? You have saved the country; now save these families. They are my brothers; we fought together, and we will stay together," Yunus said, pressing the importance of unity in these trying times.
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