Hindus and Awami League Leaders Under Attack Amidst Ongoing Violence in Bangladesh

News Mania Desk/Agnibeena Ghosh/7th August 2024

In Bangladesh, violence and unrest persist following the collapse of Sheikh Hasina’s government. The recent upheaval has seen a surge in attacks targeting both members of the Awami League and Hindu communities across the country. Since the departure of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, twenty leaders from the Awami League have been found dead, underscoring the severity of the violence that has swept through Bangladesh.

The chaos began when protests erupted over a job quota system favoring the children of freedom fighters from the 1971 liberation war. These demonstrations have turned increasingly violent, with mobs targeting various locations and individuals associated with the Awami League. On Monday, parts of the Awami League’s central office in Dhaka were set on fire, an incident that was followed by further arson on Tuesday afternoon.

Eyewitnesses reported that a house belonging to former councillor Md Shah Alam in Comilla city, located about 100 kilometers from Dhaka, was torched by an enraged mob. This attack is part of a broader pattern of violence, with Hindu communities also suffering amidst the unrest. The majority-Muslim mobs have not only targeted Awami League leaders but have also singled out minority communities, leading to widespread vandalism and looting.

In another tragic event, a mob set fire to the residence of MP Shafiqul Islam Shimul, resulting in the deaths of four individuals. The bodies were discovered in various rooms and on the balconies of Shimul’s property, further highlighting the brutal nature of the attacks. Reports indicate that homes and businesses owned by Awami League leaders and activists have been heavily targeted, contributing to a climate of fear and instability.

The violence has led to significant unrest, with attacks on Hindu temples and homes continuing. The situation reflects a deepening crisis in Bangladesh, as the country grapples with political turmoil and escalating violence. The Indian High Commission in Bangladesh has remained operational amidst these disturbances and has provided helplines for Indian nationals residing in the country. The Commission’s diplomats and officials continue their work in Bangladesh, while non-essential staff and their families were evacuated earlier this week.

The ongoing violence and instability in Bangladesh are symptomatic of the broader political and social turmoil gripping the nation. As protests continue and unrest spreads, the situation remains fluid and unpredictable, with significant implications for both local communities and international relations.