LET me begin with the bottom line of this discussion, “Any form of violence against any kind of minorities, irrespective of their race, religion, or political affiliation, is unacceptable and deserves utter condemnation.”

The recent student-led anti-discrimination movement in Bangladesh culminated in a mass uprising that eventually forced Sheikh Hasina, the former Prime Minister of Bangladesh, to flee to neighbouring India on August 5, 2024. 

Hasina has been granted temporary stay in India, while other countries such as the USA and the UK have not responded positively to her request for permanent shelter. 

Notably, accusations against Hasina for extrajudicial crackdowns and the killing of hundreds and thousands of people, including opposition political activists, are increasing. This includes a complaint to the investigation agencies of the International Criminal Court.

Years of anger and frustration among the masses in Bangladesh reached a boiling point, leading men, women, and children to the streets to echo the student movement’s one-point demand – the resignation of Hasina as prime minister. In an attempt to resist, Hasina’s forces killed more than 500 people, including over 30 children, within a month of protests from July 15 until August 5, 2024.

The country was in chaos for at least three days following Hasina’s forced resignation due to the withdrawal of law enforcement agencies from their duties. Hundreds of policemen, including top officials, went into hiding, fearing they would become victims of mass outrage. 

For over a decade, the Bangladesh police were accused of being an “auxiliary force” of the ousted ruling party, the Awami League (AL).

Once Hasina resigned, people did not hesitate to destroy anything and everything connected to her legacy and her party, including high-profile government properties such as the Parliament building. 

Numerous incidents of looting, robbery, and arson targeted at leaders and supporters of the AL were reported amidst the crisis of law and order in the country. Most of these acts, if not all, were directed against AL leaders and supporters. 

It is a fact that the majority of Hindus in Bangladesh support and favour the AL, and thus, they became victims of the public’s outrage, not solely because of their religious affiliation but also due to their political alignment with the AL.

However, sporadic incidents of arson in a few Hindu temples during the unrest do testify to targeted violence purely based on religious affiliation. 

Following these incidents, and in the absence of police forces, people from all sectors, including students and Islamic faith-based political parties, guarded the homes and temples of Hindus in Bangladesh. Numerous reports and videos demonstrate these protective efforts.

Student leaders and politicians across the board strongly condemned any violence against minorities. Moreover, representatives of minority religious groups expressed gratitude for the students’ and the public’s efforts to protect their lives and properties.

Nevertheless, certain India-based online portals and media outlets continued spreading disinformation to defame and discredit the mass uprising in Bangladesh. It is worth noting that many AL leaders who were ministers or parliament members of the ousted government are now being prosecuted for murder, money laundering, and violence against innocent citizens.

The targeted disinformation appears aimed at discrediting the people’s victory against Hasina’s fascist regime. It also seeks to tarnish the image of the interim government led by Nobel Laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus. 

In response to these defamation efforts, Yunus told Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi that the reports of attacks on minorities are not only ‘exaggerated’ but also invited Indian journalists to visit the country and see for themselves. Such a bold statement underscores Yunus’s commitment to preventing any violence against minorities in Bangladesh.

It is possible that the Indian government is displeased with Sheikh Hasina’s ouster. On several occasions, ministers from Hasina’s government openly declared their loyalty to the Indian government. 

Even after her ouster, Sajib Wajed Joy, Hasina’s son, requested India to “pressure” Bangladesh into holding an election within 90 days. Joy made this request despite a series of inconsistent statements, including his desire to withdraw from politics and his claim that his mother did not resign and remains the lawful prime minister of Bangladesh.

It is also likely that peace-loving people around the world, including Malaysians who protested peacefully in front of the Bangladesh Embassy in Ampang (Kuala Lumpur), are concerned about the safety and security of minority groups in Bangladesh.

If not politically motivated, these concerns should be based on verified facts, as exaggerated or disinformed media reports could further inflame the anger of the Bangladeshi people, who justifiably believe that India supported a fascist government in Bangladesh for over 15 years.

In fact, alongside their demand for the safety and security of Hindus, peace-loving Malaysians should have stood by the people of Bangladesh who endured a dictatorial regime under Hasina, during which many practising Muslims were accused of being anti-independence forces and were tortured and marginalised.

Surely, the people of Bangladesh, having emerged from fascism, do not wish to view their neighbour as an enemy solely because their government had good relations with the ousted Hasina. – August 19, 2024.

* Mohammad Tariqur Rahman reads The Malaysian Insight.

* This is the opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insight. Article may be edited for brevity and clarity.