Mass Protests Erupt in Dhaka Amid Rising Anti-Hindu Violence

Hundreds of people gathered in Dhaka protesting against the recent violence targeting minority Hindus following the resignation of Sheikh Hasina. A school teacher was killed and dozens injured as communal attacks spread across Bangladesh. The international community, including the UN and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, have called for peace and protection of minorities.

Hundreds of people protested in the Bangladeshi capital Dhaka on Friday against escalating violence targeting the country's minority Hindus after former prime minister Sheikh Hasina resigned and fled the country earlier this week. A school teacher was killed, and at least 45 people were injured as homes, businesses, and temples of Hindus were attacked in Muslim-majority Bangladesh following Hasina's resignation on Monday.

Protesters carried posters demanding the protection of Bangladeshi minorities, chanting slogans like 'who are we, Bengali Bengali', and appealed for peace as they blocked an intersection in the capital. Hindus, who represent about 8% of Bangladesh's 170 million population, have traditionally supported Hasina's Awami League party, which faced public ire after violent clashes between anti-quota protesters and security forces last month.

The Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council reported that at least 52 of the country's 64 districts have been affected by communal violence since August 5 and called on Muhammad Yunus, the Nobel Peace Prize-winning economist now leading a caretaker administration, for assistance. In response, the United Nations Secretary-General's office urged for an end to the violence, standing firmly against any racially based attacks or incitement to violence. Thousands of Bangladeshi Hindus are attempting to flee to India for safety.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi appealed for the protection of Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh in a message on social media. In a televised address, Yunus said his government aims to ensure 'democracy, justice, human rights, and full freedom of fearless expression' for all citizens.