In the wake of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's dramatic resignation and subsequent departure from Bangladesh, the country has been engulfed in chaos. The unrest, which includes looting and the ransacking of public institutions, has led to a surge in violence against minority communities. In response, student leaders and ordinary citizens have mobilized to safeguard Hindu temples and Christian churches, reflecting a rare instance of solidarity amidst widespread discord.
The departure of Sheikh Hasina on Monday triggered a volatile reaction across Bangladesh, characterized by violent demonstrations and widespread property damage. With the prime minister fleeing amid escalating protests, which have claimed at least 122 lives, many public and private institutions have been attacked. This upheaval has particularly targeted minority places of worship, prompting a call to action from various sectors of society.
In a remarkable display of communal unity, students and local residents have taken on the responsibility of guarding religious sites. Social media footage verified by Al Jazeera's fact-checking agency Sanad shows students actively protecting Hindu temples and churches, with significant efforts reported in cities like Chittagong. Russell Ahmed, a coordinator at Chittagong University, emphasized the necessity of these protective measures, stating, "Miscreants are systematically attacking various public and private institutions to prove the students' movement wrong."
The Dhakeshwari Temple in Dhaka has become a symbol of this unity, with both Muslim and Hindu community members standing guard. Saif Ahmed, a social media manager, highlighted this solidarity, sharing an image of a Muslim man praying in front of the temple as a form of protection against those seeking to disrupt the peace. This act of interfaith solidarity underscores the widespread commitment to maintaining harmony despite the chaos.
Student leaders who have spearheaded the protests against discriminatory government job quotas have also voiced strong opposition to any form of religious violence. Nahid Islam, a Dhaka University student and protest organizer, condemned the attacks on minorities, asserting, "There is no grouping or division among us. We are against any kind of religious incitement, sabotage or division. We will prevent any such attempts." This sentiment reflects a broader movement within the country to prevent religious and ethnic divisions during the ongoing political upheaval.
The main opposition party, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, has similarly urged restraint and protection for all citizens, regardless of their religious or political affiliations. Tarique Rahman, the BNP’s acting chair, stated, “It is our duty to protect all Bangladeshis, irrespective of religion and politics, from discriminatory violence, and not to harass any particular community, create division, or seek vengeance.” His call for unity emphasizes the importance of inclusivity and non-violence during this transitional period.
International observers have expressed grave concerns about the escalating violence. The Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council reported numerous attacks on minority-owned properties, which have drawn criticism from human rights organizations. Iftekharuzzaman, head of Transparency International Bangladesh, described the attacks as contrary to the anti-discrimination ethos of the student movement. Similarly, India's Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar and EU diplomats have called for the restoration of law and order, reflecting global apprehension about the situation.
As the nation grapples with the aftermath of Prime Minister Hasina's resignation and the ensuing violence, the actions of students and citizens in protecting minority communities highlight a beacon of hope amidst the turmoil. The ongoing international scrutiny and domestic efforts to safeguard religious sites underscore the complexity and gravity of Bangladesh's current crisis.
