Bangladesh remains in a state of turmoil as student-led protests forced key officials to resign, including the country’s Chief Justice and central bank governor. The unrest has also sparked massive demonstrations by the minority Hindu community, who have become targets in the ongoing violence.
On Saturday, thousands of Hindus staged protests in Dhaka and Chattagram, demanding protection and justice after a series of attacks on their temples, homes, and businesses.
Interim leader Muhammad Yunus condemned the attacks on minorities, labelling them as "heinous", and reiterated that restoring law and order remains the top priority.
Here are the top developments in the Bangladesh crisis:
The law and order situation in Bangladesh remains precarious, with several Hindu temples, households, and businesses vandalised and at least two Hindu leaders killed since Sheikh Hasina resigned as Prime Minister and fled to India.
Members of the Hindu community, facing attacks, have taken to the streets demanding the creation of special tribunals to expedite trials of those who persecute minorities. They also sought the allocation of 10 per cent of parliamentary seats for minorities and the enactment of a minority protection law.
Muhammad Yunus, Chief Advisor to the newly formed caretaker government, condemned the attacks on minority communities and urged the youth to protect them. "You have been able to save the country; can't you save some families?... They are my brothers; we fought together, and we will stay together,” he stated.
The political crisis has forced several top officials out of office. Chief Justice Obaidul Hassan, appointed last year and seen as a Hasina loyalist, was compelled to resign on Saturday after students surrounded the Supreme Court in Dhaka and threatened "dire consequences."
Bangladesh Bank governor Abdur Rouf Talukder also resigned amid the upheaval, although his resignation has not yet been accepted. ASM Maksud Kamal, Vice-Chancellor of Dhaka University, where the student protests initially burgeoned, stepped down from his post, reported Reuters.
In response to the crackdown that left at least 300 people dead, US lawmakers have called for sanctions against key figures in Hasina’s government. Senator Chris Van Hollen and five other congressional Democrats have urged the Biden administration to impose sanctions on former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal and Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader.
Home Affairs Advisor Brig Gen (retd) M Sakhawat Hossain expressed optimism that law and order would be restored within the next three to four days. "Some initiatives have already been taken, but the police have not yet been able to fully mobilise," he said.
The ongoing unrest has seen many police officers targeted and killed by vengeful mobs. "It is completely illegal. If any officers are found to have acted improperly, it will be tried through investigations," Hossain said.
