UN condemns attacks on minorities in Bangladesh,Thousands of people demonstrated in Bangladesh’s capital Dhaka on Friday against the attacks on Hindus living in the country. In these attacks, two people including a teacher have died and 45 people have been injured. Apart from this, property worth tens of crores has been destroyed and temples have been attacked. All this happened on Sunday and Monday during the movement launched demanding the resignation of Sheikh Hasina as Prime Minister.
#WATCH | Mathura, Uttar Pradesh: Sadhvi Ritambhara says, “Hindus should unite and raise their voice against the atrocities on them. The condition of Hindus in Bangladesh is concerning. All saints of Vrindavan came together and carried out a march…” pic.twitter.com/tLnj9d7h6E
— ANI (@ANI) August 11, 2024
These attacks continued on Tuesday even after Hasina’s resignation. The people participating in the protest were pleading for their safety and were holding posters in their hands stating that they were Bengalis. They also blocked a part of the road demanding peace.
Hindus constitute about eight percent (1.35 crore) of the 17 crore population of Muslim-majority Bangladesh. The majority Hindu population of the country has traditionally been a supporter of Sheikh Hasina’s party Awami League and in the violence, Awami League supporters and offices have been the target of violent agitators.
According to the Bangladesh Hindu, Buddhist, Christian Unity Council, Hindus and their properties were targeted in 52 of the country’s 64 districts. The Council has said that the minority population living in the country is deeply apprehensive, restless and afraid of the uncertainty of the future due to this situation. The council has sought security and protection from head of government Muhammad Yunus.
The Office of the United Nations Secretary General has said that violence in Bangladesh should be stopped. The statement said that the United Nations is against all forms of racist violence and immediate measures should be taken to prevent it. Thousands of Bangladeshi Hindus, victims of violence and frightened, have reached the border to enter neighbouring country India. They are being returned after convincing them.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has appealed for the safety of Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh. After taking oath, Bangladesh government Chief Muhammad Yunus has promised to maintain democracy, justice, human rights and freedom of expression in the country.
The United Nations has expressed concern over the attack on minority Jews amid chaos in Bangladesh. A spokesman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said that we certainly stand against racially based attacks or incitement to violence on its basis.
Farhan Haq, deputy spokesman for the UN Secretary-General, said on Thursday that what we made clear is that we want to ensure that the violence that has occurred in Bangladesh in recent weeks is reduced. He was replying when asked about the UN Secretary General’s reaction to the attacks on Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh.
UN Deputy Spokesperson Farhan Haq said that the United Nations has expectations from the new interim government formed in Bangladesh under the leadership of Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus. Certainly any sign of reduction in violence among the public is a good thing.
When asked whether Secretary-General Guterres congratulated Yunus or spoke to him on the phone. In response, Farhan said that Guterres did not speak but UN Resident Coordinator Gwyn Lewis had participated in the swearing-in ceremony.