The Kashmir-like attacks on Hindus are recurring in Bangladesh since the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government. Hasina’s ouster was triggered by student-led protests against a quota system for government jobs. Even her government was accused of widespread human rights abuses, including the extrajudicial killing of thousands of her political opponents, during her 15-year rule. Several Hindu temples, households and businesses have been vandalised. Minorities have undergone all sorts of coercions and nightmares and are living in an uncertain, unsecured future. But many Hindus had links to the Awami League, because historically it has been the party that protected minorities, so they may have been targeted for their political affiliations. Population of Hindus in East Pakistan (present Bangladesh) was 35% in 1947 and now it is less than 8%. It’s a matter of serious concern for all Hindus in India. The fundamentalist forces are targeting the minority community in the wake of the chaotic situation which developed consequent to the fall of the government. The Central government should approach the United Nations pressing for the protection of Hindus.
