(MENAFN- AsiaNet News) Amidst rising attacks against the Hindu community in crisis-hit Bangladesh, a shocking video capturing the vandalism of a salon owned by Gopal Chanda Shil, a Hindu in Dhaka's Agargaon, has gone viral on social media.
Known for his generous act of providing free haircuts to veterans of the Bangladesh Liberation War for 26 years, Shil's salon has now become a symbol of the escalating violence against minority communities in the country.
Also read:
Bangladesh unrest: Hindus chant 'Hare Krishna, Hare Rama' in Dhaka amidst surge in attacks; WATCH viral video
The video reveals the extent of the destruction at Shil's salon, highlighting the brutal impact of the recent unrest. This incident is part of a troubling pattern of attacks targeting religious minorities across Bangladesh since the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on August 5. The resignation followed widespread protests against a controversial quota system, sparking a surge in violence.
According to the Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council and the Bangladesh Puja Udjapan Parishad, there have been at least 205 attacks on minority communities in 52 districts since the political upheaval. The organizations have urgently called on Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, who has recently assumed leadership of the interim government, to address the crisis and restore peace.
The unrest has forced many from minority communities to seek refuge in the homes of friends and family, with some members like Nirmal Rosario pleading for immediate intervention. Rosario expressed grave concerns over the situation, urging Yunus to make resolving the violence a top priority.
"We seek protection because our lives are in a disastrous state. We are staying up at night, guarding our homes and temples. I have never seen anything like this in my life. We demand that the government restore communal harmony in the country," Rosario was quoted as saying in a PTI report.
Also read:
Bengali Hindus in India relive 1971 trauma amidst renewed unrest in Bangladesh, urge protection of minorities
The violence has resulted in over 230 deaths and significant destruction across the country. Hindu temples, homes, and businesses have been vandalized, women assaulted, and Hindu leaders associated with the Awami League party have been killed.
Internationally, the situation has drawn condemnation, with Farhan Haq, Deputy Spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, condemning the racially motivated attacks. Haq stressed the need to curb the violence and prevent further racial incitement.
MENAFN10082024007385015968ID1108539832
Legal Disclaimer:
MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.