ADVERTISEMENT
HAF urges Bangladesh military to protect minorities amid political unrest
HAF has urged the U.S. State Department to collaborate with Bangladesh’s military leaders and interim government to promptly safeguard religious minorities.
.jpg)
The Hindu American Foundation (HAF), a US-based Hindu advocacy non-profit has called on the interim government formed in Bangladesh as well as the US State Department to ensure rights of Hindu minorities in the country are protected.
The organization in a statement revealed that they received reports of attacks on Hindu homes and businesses, including vandalism and looting, amidst widespread unrest from various human rights organizations in Bangladesh.
The incidents, which have been documented across Bangladesh, also involve the ransacking and, in some cases, burning of Hindu temples.
In response to these reports, HAF director of Policy Research Anita Joshi said, “These attacks are heartbreaking but unsurprising. It is well documented that prior to the toppling of Sheikh Hasina’s government, Bangladesh’s Hindu population has been targeted and harassed in sections of the country for many years now.”
“The Bangladesh military is reportedly forming an interim government, and so we urge local law enforcement and military leadership to ensure the safety of all Bangladesh’s religious minorities, protecting their homes, business, and places of worship in this moment of turmoil,” she added.
HAF has urged the U.S. State Department to collaborate with Bangladesh’s military leaders and interim government to promptly safeguard religious minorities from violence while the country works to restore order.
Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina left Bangladesh after resigning from her position on Aug. 5, and her flight arrived at Hindon Airbase near Delhi.
The Students Against Discrimination group, which led last month's job quota protests, organized the latest demonstrations. The earlier protests to reform the quota system had been halted after the Supreme Court invalidated most of the demands on July 21.
However, protesters resumed their actions last week, calling for a public apology from Hasina for the violence, restoration of internet services, reopening of college and university campuses, and the release of those who were arrested.
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
E Paper
Video
.png)
Comments
Start the conversation
Become a member of New India Abroad to start commenting.
Sign Up Now
Already have an account? Login