Bangladeshi forces crack down on Hindus in Chittagong after post sparks unrest

Mangalore Today News Network

Bangladesh, November 7, 2024: Tensions escalated in Bangladesh’s port city of Chittagong as security forces launched a massive crackdown on the minority Hindu community following clashes sparked by a social media post.

The incident unfolded in the Hazari Gali area on November 5, when a member of the radical Islamic group Jamat-e-Islami, Osman Ali, posted derogatory remarks against the Hindu religion and the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) on social media.

In response, Hindu residents gathered outside Ali’s shop to protest the offensive post, leading to clashes between the two communities. The situation further deteriorated when security forces, including the Bangladesh Army, were deployed to restore order.

Exiled Bangladeshi author Taslima Nasreen shared a video of the crackdown on X (formerly Twitter), writing, "Hazari Lane, Chittagong today. Hindus vs Military."

The footage showed scenes of chaos, with security personnel clashing with civilians, chasing them and hitting them with batons. According to local media outlet Prothom Alo, blank rounds were fired into the air to disperse the crowd. Some officers were reportedly seen dismantling CCTV cameras.

A senior official in the Chittagong Metropolitan Police said officers faced significant resistance, with protestors allegedly throwing bricks and acid. Nine officers were injured, including one with acid burns.

As of Tuesday, authorities had filed a case naming 582 individuals, with 49 people arrested, the Dhaka Tribune reported.

Meanwhile, Hindu community leaders accused security forces of unfairly targeting Hindu residents, alleging that authorities conducted indiscriminate attacks, despite the involvement of members from both communities.

Hazari Gali, a historically Hindu-dominated business area, remains under heavy surveillance, and many residents are reportedly unable to leave due to ongoing operations. There were also reports of police conducting door-to-door searches in the area.

This latest conflict comes amid broader concerns for the safety of minorities in Bangladesh and follows a broader pattern of violence against Hindus in the wake of Sheikh Hasina’s ouster. Hindus, who make up about 8 per cent of the population and are the largest minority group, have historically supported Hasina’s Awami League party.

The interim government, led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, has condemned the attacks and pledged to work with community leaders to ensure the safety of Hindus.