In a tragic and violent escalation of ongoing protests in Bangladesh, Hindu temples and houses have come under attack, with reports indicating that Iskcon and Kali temples were vandalized amid the chaos. The violence, which has been described as some of the worst since the demonstrations began, has resulted in significant casualties and widespread damage.
On Sunday, violent clashes erupted between protesters demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her supporters, marking one of the deadliest days in the recent unrest. The violence resulted in the deaths of around 100 people, including Kajal Roy, a Hindu councillor from Rangpur. The scale of the violence has forced many devotees to seek refuge as their places of worship and homes were targeted.
In response to the escalating situation, the Bangladeshi government has imposed a curfew starting from 6 pm on Sunday, which will remain in place indefinitely. Alongside the curfew, a three-day closure of all establishments, including banks, has been announced. Essential services such as hospitals, water, gas, and electricity will continue to operate, but the temporary shutdown reflects the severity of the situation.
The chief of the army has assured that efforts are underway to restore normalcy within two days. Troops have been seen firing blank shots into the sky to disperse crowds, adhering to their commitment not to use live ammunition. Despite these efforts, the day has been labeled a “Bloody Sunday,” with reports of significant communal violence and widespread destruction.
“Miscreants have turned the violence communal. Social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube have been blocked to prevent the spread of inflammatory content,” said Professor Nazmul Ahsan Kalimullah, a political commentator from Bangladesh. The clampdown on social media has been part of the government’s attempt to control the narrative and prevent further escalation of violence.
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Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has issued a stern warning to protesters who defy the curfew. The situation has been further complicated by attacks on high-profile targets, including the burning of her cousin Sheikh Sohel’s house and the vandalization of a statue of Sheikh Mujibur Rehman in the Rajbari district. Additionally, the office of Beximco House, a prominent pharmaceutical company, was set ablaze by protesters.
In the midst of the turmoil, there have been reports of external influences exacerbating the situation. Sources suggest that significant powers outside the subcontinent may be supporting the opposition party, which has traditionally opposed the current government. These external influences, coupled with internal unrest, have created a volatile environment in Bangladesh.
Student leaders have called for a nationwide march to Dhaka on Monday, a day earlier than initially planned. Pinaki Bhattacharya, an exiled Bangladeshi activist, urged students to take to the streets, stating, “We want the students to carve out a future for Bangladesh. The revolution has already begun.” This call to action reflects the growing frustration among the youth and their desire for change.
The situation in Bangladesh remains fluid, with ongoing violence and uncertainty about how the conflict will evolve. The government’s efforts to restore order and the international community’s response will be crucial in determining the future stability of the country.
As Bangladesh grapples with these challenges, the international community and local authorities are closely monitoring the situation. The hope is that a resolution can be found to end the violence and restore peace to a country in the midst of profound turmoil.
