Bangladesh : The Bangladesh Hindu, Buddhist, Christian Unity Council has demanded immediate steps to stop violence against religious minorities in an open letter to Muhammad Yunus, the chief advisor to the interim government.

Thousands of Hindu families have faced devastation because of communal violence across 52 districts since August-5, according to the letter. The details were shared at a press conference at the Dhaka Reporters Unity on August -9.

The event was titled ‘Unite Against Ongoing Communal Violence Across the Country: An Open Letter to Nobel Laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus for the Protection of Minority Rights and Existence’.

In the letter, the organisation’s President Nirmal Rosario, said: “We deeply remember those who have sacrificed their lives, been injured, and suffered during the popular uprising. We extend our condolences to the families of the dead and wish a speedy recovery to the injured.”

“May the spirit of awakening ignited by the students’ sacrifices and struggles never be extinguished, and may the Liberation War not lose its way.”

“While the people’s victory is advancing towards its ultimate goal, it is with great sorrow and pain that we observe a particular group spreading unparalleled violence against minorities, attempting to tarnish this achievement,” the letter said.

“According to organisational reports and media information, at least 52 districts have experienced communal violence, leaving thousands of Hindu families destitute.’’ “Many temples have been attacked and burned. Numerous women have been victimised, and several murders have occurred. Other minorities have also been affected.”

“The sense of fear, anxiety, and uncertainty among minorities across the country is profound. This situation is also drawing international scrutiny towards Bangladesh. We demand an immediate end to this situation.”

The letter further said: “We have attempted to inform the honourable president, esteemed chief of army staff, student leaders, and various political party leaders about our current limitations. They have called for an end to the attacks on minorities in their speeches and statements.”

“Unfortunately, over the past three days, the situation has worsened further into a deep void. The cries for help continue.”

Council’s presidium member Subrata Chowdhury said, “We are bleeding. We welcome the victory of the students of Bangladesh. We are oppressed today. The army chief said ‘We will take all responsibility’.But we have not seen anything like that in the last 9 days.”

“No one, including the local police or Ansar personnel, has come forward to ensure our safety,” he added.

It may be mentioned here that there have been many religious attacks on Hindus in the following decades. A Bangladeshi human rights group, Ain o Salish Kendra, reported at least 3,679 attacks on the Hindu community between January 2013 and September 2021, including vandalism, arson and targeted violence.

In 2021, following mob attacks on Hindu minority households and temples in Bangladesh during and after Durga Puja, the country’s biggest Hindu festival, rights group Amnesty International said: “Such repeated attacks against individuals, communal violence and destruction of the homes and places of worship of minorities in Bangladesh over the years show that the state has failed in its duty to protect minorities.”