Vandalism and attacks follow Bangladesh PM’s resignation

Bangladesh’s interim government, led by Nobel Peace Prize winner Muhammad Yunus, should take immediate action to protect human rights.

soon Sheikh Hasina resigns as prime minister and left the country, tens of thousands Bangladeshis celebrate end of repressive ruleHowever, in some places, celebrations turned violent. Hundreds killed or injured The protesters seek revenge against those seen as supporting Hasina’s government.

Mob burning Historic Buildings and Targeting members of Hasina’s Awami League partyIn several parts of the country, members of the Hindu community, often seen as largely supporting the Awami League, Under heavy attackTheir homes have been burned, temples have been vandalized and shops looted. Ahmadiyya Muslim Community and minority.

A Hindu businessman in Tangail city told Human Rights Watch, “While the crowd was celebrating Hasina’s ouster, some of the crowd suddenly started attacking nearby businesses, including my shop.” An Awami League politician in Jessore said, “Soon after the news of Sheikh Hasina’s escape from the country spread around my neighborhood, our business and house were targeted by mobs. They vented their anger by chanting slogans against Sheikh Hasina and Awami League leaders.”

In many places, Muslim clerics, students and community leaders Come out to protect Hindu temples and Christian churchesalthough Political leadersalso Student protest organizerscalling on everyone to remain calm.

Mobs frequently target and assault police officers, who are widely despised for years of rampant human rights abuses, including during the protests that led to Hasina’s resignation. Public Apology He has pledged to hold accountable “unprofessional police officers” who “failed to follow recognized principles on the use of force and violated human rights.”

Yunus Urges Bangladeshis to refrain from retaliatory and violent actions“Violence is our enemy. Stay calm and get ready to build the nation,” he said.

The authorities should ensure that minorities are protected and the rule of law is respected. They also need to ensure that the police and other law enforcement agencies do not escalate or contribute to violence. Once an interim government is established, it should accept UN recommendations to establish an independent investigation to identify and prosecute those responsible for past human rights violations and those committed during the recent violence, which is essential to rebuilding confidence in Bangladesh’s judicial system.