Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Saturday launched a strong critique of the current administration under Muhammad Yunus, highlighting the deteriorating conditions faced by the minority Hindu community in the country. Addressing the public on the occasion of Sharadiya Navratri and Durga Puja, Hasina expressed hope that the people of Bangladesh would overcome the challenges posed by what she described as “conspirators and bigoted groups” who have sought to undermine freedom and communal harmony. She extended her greetings to followers of Sanatan Dharma and emphasized that despite the ongoing crisis, the resilience and solidarity of the Bangladeshi people would ultimately prevail.
Hasina’s statements came in the backdrop of her ouster last year during violent protests against her government, which led to Muhammad Yunus being appointed as Chief Advisor of the interim government. During that period, alleged atrocities against the minority Hindu population became a significant point of contention, drawing criticism from India and raising concerns about the protection of minority rights. The Awami League chief highlighted that extremist groups, emboldened following her departure, began openly opposing the celebration of Durga Puja and attempting to curtail nationwide holidays for the festival. Videos circulated on social media showed radical groups marching through Dhaka with slogans such as “Pujo hote debo na” (Won’t allow Durga Puja), reflecting the intensity of the harassment faced by the Hindu community.
In her message, Hasina underscored the enduring spirit of the Bangladeshi people, noting that traditionally they have shared joy and compassion, but are currently being held hostage by politically motivated and extremist factions. She acknowledged that community (barowari) Durga Pujas, which have become more common in recent years, were particularly targeted, and described the multifaceted violence unleashed against Hindus after August 5 of the previous year as shocking to the global community. Despite this persecution, Hasina extended her best wishes to all followers of Sanatan Dharma in Bangladesh, expressing her hope for the restoration of communal harmony and religious diversity.
The upheaval in August 2024 had begun as student-led protests against proposed reservations for family members of 1971 war veterans in government jobs and educational institutions, but quickly escalated into violent demonstrations involving widespread arson, vandalism, and damage to public property. The unrest forced Hasina to flee her official residence without delivering a national address. Following her departure, President Mohammed Shahabuddin dissolved Parliament, and Yunus assumed the role of Chief Advisor until the next general elections. In the days that followed, attacks and intimidation against Hindus were reported repeatedly, prompting criticism from India, which called on the interim government to ensure the protection of minority communities.
Despite assurances from the Yunus-led administration, incidents of persecution against Hindus in Bangladesh have continued intermittently. Sheikh Hasina, in her address, appealed for resilience, expressing confidence that Bangladesh would eventually return to a state of communal harmony and religious freedom, and emphasized that in every moment of joy and hardship, the people would support one another against attempts to divide them.
