Bangladesh in Turmoil: Since Sheikh Hasina’s ouster as Prime Minister of Bangladesh on August 5, 2024, the situation for religious and ethnic minorities, particularly Hindus, has become increasingly precarious. The fall of the Hasina-led government has unleashed a wave of violence and discrimination against these communities, with growing reports highlighting an alarming rise in attacks, harassment, and forced resignations.
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The Aftermath of Sheikh Hasina’s Ouster
Sheikh Hasina, a 76-year-old political veteran who had served multiple terms as Prime Minister, stepped down amid massive student protests against a job quota system. What began as a protest over economic grievances quickly escalated into violence, disproportionately affecting religious and ethnic minorities, including Hindus, Buddhists, and Christians. In the political vacuum created by Hasina’s resignation, extremist elements have increasingly targeted these vulnerable groups, making their daily lives more perilous.
Targeting of Minority Teachers
One of the most troubling developments during this period has been the systematic targeting of educators from minority communities. Since Hasina’s departure, at least 49 teachers from Hindu, Buddhist, and Christian communities have been forced to resign from their positions, with some even facing physical attacks. The Bangladesh Chhatra Oikya Parishad, a student wing of the Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Oikya Parishad, has played a crucial role in highlighting these cases.
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According to Sajib Sarkar, the coordinator of the organization, although 19 of these teachers were later reinstated, the trauma they endured during this period is significant. A particularly disturbing incident occurred on August 18, when around 50 students stormed the principal’s office at Azimpur Government Girls’ School and College, demanding that she and two other teachers resign. This incident underscores the aggressive tactics employed by those seeking to intimidate and marginalize minority communities in Bangladesh.
Broader Violence Against Minorities
The persecution of minority teachers is part of a broader pattern of violence and discrimination against religious and ethnic minorities in Bangladesh. Sajib Sarkar has reported a wide range of attacks during this period, including looting, assaults on women, vandalism of temples, arson attacks on homes and businesses, and even killings. These incidents have instilled fear and insecurity among minority communities, making them increasingly vulnerable to further violence.
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A particularly illustrative case is that of Shanjay Kumar Mukherjee, an Associate Professor in the Department of Public Administration and Governance Studies at Kazi Nazrul University. Mukherjee was forced to resign from his position, a decision he described as emblematic of the vulnerability faced by members of minority communities in Bangladesh. ‘We are very vulnerable,’ Mukherjee told India Today, encapsulating the essence of the plight of minorities in the country.
High-Profile Reactions and Criticism
The international community and prominent figures have expressed concern and condemnation regarding the situation. Exiled Bangladeshi author Taslima Nasreen, known for her outspoken criticism of religious extremism, has been particularly vocal. Nasreen took to the social media platform X to condemn the current government, led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, for failing to protect minorities. ‘In Bangladesh, teachers are forced to resign.
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Journalists, ministers, and officials of the former government are being killed, harassed, and imprisoned. Gen Z has burned down industries owned by Ahmadi Muslims, and mazars and dargahs of Sufi Muslims are being demolished by Islamic terrorists. Yunus says nothing against it,’ she posted.
Nasreen’s criticism highlights broader concerns that the Yunus-led government is either unable or unwilling to safeguard the rights and safety of religious and ethnic minorities in Bangladesh.
Statistical Overview of Attacks
The Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council and the Bangladesh Puja Udjapan Parishad have compiled data that paints a grim picture of the current situation. Since the fall of the Hasina-led government, there have been at least 205 reported incidents of attacks against minority communities across 52 districts in Bangladesh. These attacks range from physical violence and property damage to more subtle forms of intimidation and harassment, all contributing to an environment of fear and insecurity for minorities in the country.
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Conclusion
The situation for minority communities in Bangladesh has become increasingly dangerous since the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government. The forced resignations of teachers, coupled with widespread violence and discrimination, signal a broader societal shift toward intolerance and hostility. As the international community watches closely, it remains to be seen whether the new government under Muhammad Yunus will take the necessary steps to protect all citizens, regardless of their religious or ethnic background. The future of Bangladesh’s minority communities hangs in the balance, and the world is watching to see what happens next.
