Bangladesh Crisis: Student Protests Turn Violent, Anti-Minority Attacks Surge

GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 5th Sept. The recent turmoil in Bangladesh, initially sparked by student protests over the quota system, has evolved into a severe political crisis, marked by anti-minority violence and accusations of foreign interference.

From Quota Protests to Political Chaos

The unrest began on June 5, 2024, following a High Court ruling reinstating the old quota system. The ruling led to widespread student protests across six major universities, demanding reductions in quotas for minorities and disabled individuals. However, as the movement gained momentum, extremist groups, including Jamaat-e-Islami and the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), co-opted the protests to push for broader political changes. By July 20, the demands expanded to include the resignation of key allies of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and a nationwide ban on the Awami League’s student wing.

The initially peaceful protests soon turned violent. The movement’s focus shifted from quota reforms to a demand for Hasina’s resignation. By August 3, the protests had morphed into a regime change campaign.

Violence Against Minorities

Following Hasina’s departure on August 5, the country descended into chaos. This power vacuum led to a surge in violence against religious minorities, particularly Hindus. Reports indicate attacks on minority homes and businesses across 27 districts, with 205 incidents documented in 52 districts by August 9. The violence targeted temples, looted properties, and resulted in severe assaults, including murders and rapes.

The Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council reports that at least 49 teachers from minority communities have been forced to resign. The violence has led to widespread impoverishment among Hindu families and destruction of religious sites.

Allegations of Foreign Influence

There are claims that the unrest was influenced by external actors, particularly from the United States. Accusations suggest that the U.S. has engaged in a covert campaign to undermine Hasina’s administration through economic influence, media narratives, and clandestine operations. This is perceived as part of a broader strategy to destabilize democracies that do not align with U.S. interests.

Critics argue that the U.S. has used various methods, including support for opposition forces and strategic pressure, to achieve its objectives. The involvement of extremist groups and the subsequent rise in violence against minorities are seen as part of this broader agenda.

Media and Propaganda

The global media has faced criticism for downplaying or misrepresenting the violence. Initially, the violence was reported, but coverage soon shifted focus, with outlets like Al Jazeera and BBC framing the situation as general “anarchy” rather than targeted attacks on minorities. This shift in narrative is seen as an attempt to obscure the systematic nature of the violence.

Future of Minorities in Bangladesh

Historically, Bangladesh has shifted from secularism to increasing Islamism, a trend that has led to persistent persecution of minorities. The current interim government, marked by its connections with Islamist groups, is unlikely to improve the situation for minorities.

The systematic targeting of Hindus and other minorities is a continuation of long-standing patterns of persecution. The international community, particularly neighboring India, is urged to take a proactive role in protecting Bangladesh’s minorities and addressing the ongoing crisis.

In this context, India is seen as having a civilizational responsibility to protect the persecuted minorities in Bangladesh and ensure their survival and prosperity.