Bangladesh’s newly appointed adviser to the Ministry of Home Affairs has pledged to take decisive legal measures against those who perpetrate violence or abuse towards minority groups. He emphasized that such acts of violence, conflict, or hatred have no place in Bangladesh.
This assurance was given by Brigadier General (retd) M. Sakhawat Hussain during a meeting with representatives from the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) Bangladesh. The meeting took place at his office in the Secretariat, as reported by the Dhaka Tribune.
Following the resignation and departure of Sheikh Hasina from office on August 5, Bangladesh has witnessed a surge in violence against Hindu communities. Massive protests against her government over a controversial job quota system preceded her resignation, leaving the country in turmoil.
Mr. Hussain reiterated that Bangladesh has always been a nation of communal harmony, where people of various religious backgrounds have coexisted peacefully. He made it clear that anyone who attacks or abuses minorities will face swift legal action, as the country stands firmly against violence and discord.
During the meeting, ISKCON Bangladesh’s president, Satyaranjan Baroi, urged the adviser to prioritize the safety of minority groups. He presented eight proposals aimed at enhancing their protection, including enacting new laws, establishing monitoring cells, forming a Minority Commission, and providing continuous state security for temples.
The Bangladesh National Hindu Grand Alliance reported that since the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government, minority communities have faced attacks and threats in 278 locations across 48 districts, describing this as an “assault on the Hindu religion.” Meanwhile, Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, who leads the interim government, reached out to the affected Hindu community, urging them to remain patient. He assured them that his government would hold accountable those responsible for the attacks.
Additionally, on Monday, Hussain’s ministry established a hotline to encourage citizens to report any incidents of violence against religious institutions, including temples and churches.
