Protesters in Dhaka Demand Protection for Hindus and Minorities in Bangladesh

Hundreds of people marched in Dhaka, Bangladesh, asking for protection for Hindus and other minorities who have faced attacks after the removal of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in August.

The protesters want the interim government to pass laws to protect minorities and to include them in government decisions. A Hindu community leader, Charu Chandra Das Brahmachari, said he has seen many attacks on temples, homes, and businesses belonging to Hindus.

The temporary government, led by Muhammad Yunus, admitted these incidents are happening and condemned them but said some attacks may have political motivations. Sedition charges were recently filed against 19 people who participated in a similar protest in Chittagong, accusing them of disrespecting the national flag by placing a saffron-colored Hindu flag above it.

In Bangladesh, about 8% of the population is Hindu. The protesters plan to hold more marches in the coming weeks to raise awareness about these issues.