Muhammad Yunus Visits Dhakeshwari Temple Amid Attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh: A Call for Equal Rights

News Mania Desk/Agnibeena Ghosh/13th August 2024

Muhammad Yunus, the chief advisor of Bangladesh’s interim government, made a significant visit to the Dhakeshwari National Temple in Dhaka on Tuesday, amid escalating violence against the Hindu community in the country. The visit comes in the wake of widespread attacks on Hindus, who have faced increased persecution since the resignation and departure of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on August 5.

During his visit, Yunus emphasized the principle of equal rights for all individuals, regardless of their religious affiliation. He urged unity among the people of Bangladesh, stating, “Rights are equal for everyone. We are all one people with one right. Do not make any distinctions among us. Please, assist us. Exercise patience, and later judge — what we were able to do and not. If we fail, then criticize us.” This statement reflects Yunus’s commitment to addressing the deep-seated issues affecting minority communities in Bangladesh.

Yunus’s remarks highlighted the need for a focus on shared human identity rather than religious labels. He asserted that the country’s democratic aspirations should transcend religious boundaries, stressing that the root of ongoing conflicts lies in the deterioration of institutional structures. According to Yunus, “In our democratic aspirations, we should not be seen as Muslims, Hindus, or Buddhists, but as human beings. Our rights should be ensured. The root of all problems lies in the decay of institutional arrangements. That is why such issues arise. Institutional arrangements need to be fixed.”

This visit occurred against a backdrop of rising violence and unrest targeting Hindus, the largest minority group in Bangladesh. Since Hasina’s departure, there have been numerous reports of attacks on Hindu temples, homes, and businesses. The Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council and the Bangladesh Puja Udjapan Parishad have reported at least 205 incidents of violence across 52 districts since the former prime minister’s ouster. These incidents have led to a significant outcry among the Hindu community, prompting widespread protests.

Last week, thousands of Hindus took to the streets in Dhaka and Chattogram, demanding protection from further violence. Protesters blocked traffic in Dhaka’s Shahbag for over three hours, calling for special courts to handle cases of minority persecution, a dedicated quota of parliamentary seats for minorities, and the enactment of a robust minority protection law.

In response to the violence, Yunus had previously condemned the attacks as “heinous” and urged the youth to stand in solidarity with all religious communities, including Hindus, Christians, and Buddhists. His visit to the Dhakeshwari Temple further reinforced his stance on the importance of safeguarding minority rights and ensuring peace in the nation.

Following Yunus’s appointment as chief advisor, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his congratulations and expressed hope for a swift return to normalcy, emphasizing the need to ensure the safety and protection of Hindus and other minority groups in Bangladesh.

Yunus’s visit and statements underline the critical need for reforms and greater protection for minorities amid ongoing tensions, reflecting his dedication to fostering a more inclusive and equitable society in Bangladesh.