Mass protests sweep Bangladesh as Hindus demand protection after PM Hasina's resignation

Hundreds of thousands of Hindus took to the streets in Bangladesh to protest against the escalating violence targeting their community after former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigned and fled to India.

The capital city of Dhaka and the port city of Chittagong saw large-scale demonstrations on Saturday, with participants calling for urgent action to address their grievances, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

Since the fall of Sheikh Hasina's government on August 5, more than 205 incidents of violence against minority communities have been reported across 52 districts. The attacks have resulted in numerous injuries among Hindus and significant damage to their homes and businesses. Several Hindu temples have been vandalized, and at least two Hindu leaders connected to Hasina's Awami League party have been killed in the unrest.

In response to the violence, thousands of Bangladeshi Hindus have attempted to flee to neighboring India for safety. Protesters are demanding the establishment of special tribunals to expedite the prosecution of those responsible for persecuting minorities, the allocation of 10 percent of parliamentary seats for minorities, and the enactment of a minority protection law.

The demonstration at Shahbagh in central Dhaka blocked traffic for over three hours, with Hindu demonstrators and thousands of supportive Muslims, including students, coming together in solidarity. In Chittagong, a massive rally at Cheragi Pahar Square attracted an estimated seven lakh attendees.

Similar protests have been reported abroad, with rallies taking place in the United States and the United Kingdom.