NEW DELHI:
India has called on the Bangladesh government to take decisive action against extremist elements and ensure the safety of Hindus in Chittagong, where recent violence against the community has raised significant concerns, as stated by the Ministry of External Affairs on Thursday.
This response comes in light of clashes between Hindu community members and law enforcement amid rising tensions following a Facebook post critical of ISKCON. To address the unrest, police and army forces conducted operations on Tuesday night, reportedly targeting the Hindu community.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal remarked, “We have observed that there have been attacks on the Hindu community in Chittagong, Bangladesh. Their properties and businesses have been looted, following incendiary social media posts aimed at Hindu religious organizations.”
“It appears that extremist elements are behind such posts and criminal activities, which are likely to escalate tensions within the community. We strongly urge the government of Bangladesh to take firm measures to ensure the safety of Hindus and to act against extremist groups,” he added.
The unrest reportedly began when a local Muslim youth shared a Facebook post criticizing ISKCON. This incited protests from the Hindu community, leading to clashes with law enforcement, according to Saifuddin Tuhin, a local reporter from Chittagong.
“The angry Hindu community protested and clashed with the police, throwing bricks and other objects. Following the clashes, a joint operation involving police and army forces was conducted,” Tuhin explained.
A Hindu community leader noted that a local youth named Osman had demanded the banning of ISKCON, which prompted law enforcement to respond amid rising tensions. “It has been alleged that something like acid was thrown at the law enforcement agencies,” the leader added.
Exiled Bangladeshi author Taslima Nasreen shared a concerning video of the clashes, claiming, “The army went to a Hindu shop in Hazari Lane, Chittagong last night and said, ‘Open the gate, come out, we will count till 3; if you don’t come out, we will shoot.'”
With Hindus making up approximately 8 percent of Bangladesh’s 170 million population, they have historically supported Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League party. However, the party has faced opposition following violent confrontations between anti-quota demonstrators and security forces last month.
On August 5, following weeks of protests and violent incidents that resulted in over 600 fatalities, a student-led uprising led to the removal of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The 76-year-old leader sought refuge in India on the same day, leading to an interim administration led by Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus taking control.
