Chief of Bangladesh's interim government calls for religious harmony
Reports indicate incidents of violence targeting the Hindu minority in Bangladesh, which has a Muslim majority, following a change in the regime. Read Full Article at RT.com.
TroibNews 
Amid concerns about violence against Hindus in the predominantly Muslim nation, Bangladesh's interim leader, Mohammed Yunus, emphasized the importance of maintaining religious harmony during a national address on Thursday. Yunus, during his speech, stressed that disruptive actions affecting the societal peace would be met with strict legal actions. "No one should take the law into their own hands. If anyone creates disorder in society by doing so, we will definitely bring them under punishment," Yunus stated, as per the Dhaka Tribune. His commitment towards fostering a democratic future for Bangladesh was also highlighted.
The need for such caution became evident following violent events leading to the displacement of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Yunus assumed the role of chief advisor to the interim government on August 8 after Hasina's resignation, which came after a period of violent clashes initiated by a student protest. The confrontations, which reportedly resulted in around 600 deaths, initially challenged job reservation policies favoring veterans' relatives but soon escalated into broader unrest.
Reports from rights groups and diplomats have pointed to subsequent attacks on minority groups, including Hindus who constitute about 9% of the population. These incidents have attracted attention from India, prompting the establishment of a special monitoring committee and calls from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for protective measures. The political dynamics have been further complicated by Hasina's extended stay in India post-resignation, rather than moving to her intended destination, the UK.
These tensions have also stirred concerns around racial profiling after a call from the President's Personnel Department for the names of Hindu officers at the Joint Secretary level, which the government defended as preparation for a religious function invitation.
In addition, the government has requested that the Hindu community refrain from holding Durga Puja celebrations, an important cultural and religious event for Bengali Hindus, during Muslim prayer times, highlighting ongoing religious tensions in the nation.
Camille Lefevre for TROIB News
The need for such caution became evident following violent events leading to the displacement of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Yunus assumed the role of chief advisor to the interim government on August 8 after Hasina's resignation, which came after a period of violent clashes initiated by a student protest. The confrontations, which reportedly resulted in around 600 deaths, initially challenged job reservation policies favoring veterans' relatives but soon escalated into broader unrest.
Reports from rights groups and diplomats have pointed to subsequent attacks on minority groups, including Hindus who constitute about 9% of the population. These incidents have attracted attention from India, prompting the establishment of a special monitoring committee and calls from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for protective measures. The political dynamics have been further complicated by Hasina's extended stay in India post-resignation, rather than moving to her intended destination, the UK.
These tensions have also stirred concerns around racial profiling after a call from the President's Personnel Department for the names of Hindu officers at the Joint Secretary level, which the government defended as preparation for a religious function invitation.
In addition, the government has requested that the Hindu community refrain from holding Durga Puja celebrations, an important cultural and religious event for Bengali Hindus, during Muslim prayer times, highlighting ongoing religious tensions in the nation.
Camille Lefevre for TROIB News
