Dr. Prerna Malhotra
The CDPHR condemns opportunistic fundamentalist forces and asks the relevant authorities to take decisive and timely action
New Delhi (August 7, 2024). The Centre for Democracy, Pluralism and Human Rights (CDPHR) is concerned about the ongoing political violence and unrest in Bangladesh, and steadfastly condemns it. In the aftermath of the political upheaval since the removal of Sheikh Hasina there are incoming reports of ongoing violence against the life and property of the common people and country’s religious minority groups. Violence and disorder in the streets are a condemnable offense. The military and the incoming interim government have the delicate task in their hands to protect the democratic ethos of the movement at one hand while also constraining the Islamist religious fundamentalists.
On Monday, at least four temples were attacked and vandalized in the country and there were also reports of death of a minority Hindu leader of Awami League. According to a major Bangladeshi minority organization, Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council, the general situation in the country for minorities is very tense. According to their report, Radha Gobinda Temple was attacked in Kaukata. They also reported attacks against minority homes and businesses in the following city/districts: Panchagarh, Thakurgaon, Lohagara, Noakhali, Jhenaidah, Hathuria, Dumar, Tangail, Shariatpur, Lalmonirhat, Munshiganj, Sambhuganj, Chandpur, Araihazar, Khulna, Dinajpur, Narsingdi, Laxmipur, Kishoreganj, Jessore, Satkhira and Habibganj. In the Jessore district at least 22 shops were looted. Therefore, the situation of minorities is critical in the whole country. It is not a local event but a countrywide phenomenon and 26 districts have so far reported such attacks.
At this point due to general unrest and curfews in the country the complete extent of the nature of violence is unknown. In such a context, it is the responsibility of the Armed forces and the incoming interim government to protect the fundamental freedoms and pluralism in the country. It is their responsibility to stop the violent radicals from burning down the country and attacking the life of common people.
The CDPHR condemns opportunistic fundamentalist forces and asks the relevant authorities to take decisive and timely action. The CDPHR also calls upon the global institutions like the United Nations and the international community to keep a fervent eye on the events in the country for the coming few weeks. This period of violent political transition should be closely monitored to protect the democracy, pluralism and religious freedoms in the country which are under severe stress right now. Finally, the Bangladeshi civil society and the student groups have a moral responsibility to condemn the violence and actively protect every social group in the country without any favor or fervor. Reconciliation is the need of the hour, not revenge and opportunistic violence against the marginalized.