Tens of thousands of members of the Hindu minority protested on Friday in the city of Chattogram, Bangladesh, demanding protection from the interim government of the Muslim majority. The protesters, around 30,000, called for the withdrawal of sedition charges against Hindu leaders and expressed their concern over a wave of attacks and harassment. The area was guarded by police and soldiers during the protest.
Muhammad Yunus, Nobel Peace Prize winner and current leader of the interim government following the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, questioned the extent of reports of attacks on the Hindu community. Hindus represent approximately 8% of the population of 170 million in Bangladesh, while Muslims are the majority at 91%.
The Bangladesh Hindu, Buddhist and Christian Unity Council reported more than 2,000 attacks against Hindus since early August. Human rights groups and the UN have expressed concern over the human rights situation in the country under Yunus's leadership.
For their part, Hindu leaders claim that the accusations are politically motivated and have demanded their withdrawal within 72 hours. Additionally, another Hindu protest is scheduled in Dhaka. At the same time, supporters of Hasina's Awami League party and the Jatiya party have stated that they have also been targeted for attacks since the Prime Minister's departure.
The Jatiya party has experienced tensions, with protests and disturbances. Party leaders have assured that they will continue to demand their rights, despite risks to their lives.