US, Amnesty condemns attacks on Hindu in Bangladesh

Several social, political and cultural organisations have staged demonstrations and protest marches across Bangladesh over the communal violence against the minority Hindu community during the Durga Puja. More than 200 artists, journalists, film personalities and intellectuals brought out a procession in Dhaka demanding justice for the sufferers of violence and punishment for the perpetrators. They placed an 8-point demand including the immediate arrest of people involved in attacks on Durga Puja, taking steps to stop communal statements on social media and religious gatherings called Waz-mehfil among others. The ruling Awami League brought out a rally in Dhaka on Tuesday in support of the Hindu community of Bangladesh who faced attacks during Durga Puja this year at several places like Cumilla, Noakhali, Rangpur among others.

In Rajshahi town, a large gathering of people brought out a rally in the town and formed a human chain demanding punishment to the attackers on the Hindu community in the last few days of Durga Puja. A similar procession was also brought out by the Worker’s party at Rajshahi. Local journalist and social worker M.A. Amin said that people from all sections of society cutting across social and economic divisions took part in these protests.

The United States has also condemned the recent attacks on the minority Hindu community in Bangladesh. US Department of State Spokesperson Ned Price took to Twitter to condemn the violent attacks on Hindu temples and businesses in Bangladesh during the recent Durga Puja celebrations. He urged the Bangladesh government to investigate the incidents thoroughly. The state department spokesperson said, freedom of religion or belief is a human right and every person around the world, regardless of their religious affiliation or belief, should feel safe and supported to celebrate important holidays. 

Non-government organisation Amnesty International also expressed concern about the attacks. In a statement, the organisation’s South Asia Campaigner Saad Hammadi said that the attacks in Bangladesh are symptomatic of a “growing anti-minority sentiment in the country”. “Such repeated attacks against individuals, communal violence and destruction of the homes and places of worship of minorities in Bangladesh over the years show that the state has failed in its duty to protect minorities,” Hammadi said. Amnesty International urged Bangladesh authorities to take urgent steps to protect minorities against such attacks and ensure access to justice.