Bangladesh unrest continues: Bangladeshi Hindus protest for safety amid rising attacks on temples and homes
PTC News Desk: On Saturday, the second day in a row, thousands of members of the minority Hindu community held large protest marches in the capital of Bangladesh and the port city of Chattagram in the northeast. They demanded security in the face of widespread vandalism that witnessed attacks on temples, as well as on their homes and businesses.
The Hindu demonstrators' rally at Shahbagh in the city's center blocked traffic for more than three hours as they demanded, among other things, the creation of a minority protection law, special tribunals to expedite the trials of those who persecute minorities, and 10% of parliamentary seats for minorities.
Joining them here to show support for the cause of minorities—who have been disproportionately affected by violence and destruction since Sheikh Hasina resigned as prime leader and fled to India on Monday—were thousands of Muslim protestors, including students.
Since then, at least two Hindu figures connected to the Awami League party of former Bangladeshi prime minister Sheikh Hasina have been slain in the violence, which has damaged numerous Hindu temples, homes, and businesses.
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The frontman of the well-known folk band Joler Gaan, Rahul Ananda, was forced to flee his home on Monday due to widespread vandalism and destruction, as documented in media reports that have highlighted an increasing number of incidents of violence against minorities.
The Dhaka Tribune newspaper reported that the Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Oikya Parishad, a well-known group that supports minority rights, sent Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus an open letter on August 5 that detailed 205 instances of persecution in 52 districts since the overthrow of the Sheikh Hasina government.
The demonstrators released an eight-point charter of demands on Saturday, which calls for the creation of special tribunals to speed up the prosecution of individuals who have mistreated minorities, victim compensation, and the swift adoption of legislation protecting minorities.
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- With inputs from agencies
