Hundreds march in Dhaka for protection of Hindus, minorities in Bangladesh

Hundreds of demonstrators marched in Dhaka on Saturday, demanding protection for Hindus and other minorities who have experienced violence and threats following Sheikh Hasina's removal from power in August.

Rally organizers called on the interim government to establish legislation protecting minorities and ensure minimum minority representation in governance, along with additional requests.

"It's deeply regrettable that the council of advisors does not acknowledge the suffering minorities have endured. I have witnessed the atrocities against them—their temples, businesses, and homes," Hindu civic leader Charu Chandra Das Brahmachari told news agency AFP.

The interim administration under Muhammad Yunus has recognized and condemned these incidents against Hindus, while maintaining that many of the attacks were politically rather than religiously motivated.

Continuous demonstrations since then indicate ongoing attacks and demand action from Yunus's administration, which serves as an "advisory council" responsible for implementing democratic reforms and organizing new elections.

Recent tensions escalated when sedition charges were filed against 19 individuals who participated in an earlier minority rights demonstration in Chittagong.

Authorities accused these individuals of disrespecting Bangladesh's national flag by positioning a saffron flag—the symbolic color of Hinduism—above it.

"Framing our leaders with false charges, like sedition, has made us skeptical of the government's intentions," said protest member Chiranjan Goswami.

In predominantly Muslim Bangladesh, Hindus constitute the largest minority religious group, representing approximately eight percent of the population.

Reports also indicate attacks on Sufi shrines, with Islamist groups suspected of targeting alternative Islamic practices.

Saturday's protest followed a larger gathering in Chittagong the previous day, which drew 10,000 participants.

Minority community leaders have announced plans for additional demonstrations in the coming weeks.

In August, Hasina, aged 77, departed by helicopter to India as protesters filled Dhaka's streets, marking a dramatic conclusion to her authoritarian leadership.

Her administration faced accusations of extensive human rights violations, including extrajudicial killings of thousands of political opponents during her 15-year tenure.