UN urged to address violence against Hindus in Bangladesh amid political turmoil

• Ansar Ahmed Ullah

The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, has received an urgent appeal to address the escalating violence in Bangladesh following Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s recent removal.

The letter, dated 15 August 15, was sent by Narayan Bhattacharjee on behalf of the Campaign for Religious Minorities in Bangladesh (CPRMB), a UK-based organisation dedicated to combating the persecution of religious minorities in Bangladesh.

According to the letter, Bangladesh has seen a marked increase in targeted attacks against the Hindu minority community in the days leading up to and following Prime Minister Hasina’s removal. Reports indicate that mobs have been attacking Hindu homes, temples, and businesses, resulting in significant loss of life and property. These acts of violence, reportedly motivated by religious intolerance and political opportunism, have instilled widespread fear among the Hindu minority.

The appeal also highlights a disturbing trend of student killings during this period of political upheaval. Students actively involved in expressing their political opinions and participating in demonstrations have reportedly become targets of brutal violence. These murders are described not only as a tragic loss of potential but also as a clear violation of the right to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.

Bhattacharjee’s letter expresses deep concern over the Bangladeshi government’s apparent inability or unwillingness to protect these vulnerable groups, emphasising that the situation warrants urgent international attention.

The CPRMB is calling on the United Nations to take immediate action, including launching an independent investigation into the violence, pressuring the interim government to protect minorities and students, supporting initiatives for the protection and resettlement of displaced Hindus, and enforcing international human rights standards in Bangladesh.

As the international community awaits the UN’s response to these urgent calls for action, the situation in Bangladesh remains tense. The appeal underscores the critical need for swift intervention to protect human rights and maintain stability in the region during this period of significant political transition.