New Bangladesh Govt Says Working to Resolve Attacks on Minorities
New Bangladesh Govt Says Working to Resolve Attacks on Minorities. Dhaka, Bangladesh – The newly formed interim government of Bangladesh, led by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus, has announced its commitment to addressing the recent surge in attacks against religious minorities, particularly the Hindu community, following the dramatic ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
Hindus, who represent the largest minority group in the predominantly Muslim nation of Bangladesh, have long been considered a reliable support base for Hasina’s party, the Awami League.
However, in the wake of Hasina’s sudden resignation and departure from the country earlier this week, there have been numerous reports of violence targeting Hindu households, temples, and businesses.
In its first official statement since being appointed on Thursday, the interim cabinet expressed deep concern over these incidents. “The attacks on religious minorities in some places have been noted with grave concern,” the statement read.
The cabinet assured that it would “immediately sit with the representative bodies and other concerned groups to find ways to resolve such heinous attacks.”
The statement reflects the interim government’s broader agenda, which includes restoring law and order, addressing the aftermath of weeks-long protests, and steering the nation toward democratic reforms.
The unrest, which began in July and culminated in Hasina’s departure, claimed the lives of more than 450 people. In response, the new administration has pledged to provide financial support to the families of those killed and to those injured during the protests.
Institutional Reforms and Purge of Hasina Loyalists
The interim government, which has been described as a “council of advisors,” is also focused on overhauling key institutions that were closely aligned with the previous regime. On Sunday, a new chief justice, Syed Refaat Ahmed, was sworn in, replacing Obaidul Hassan, a Hasina ally who had faced accusations of compromising the Supreme Court’s independence.
This move is part of a broader effort to remove individuals linked to the former government, which was toppled by a student-led uprising.
The new chief justice, who has an academic background from prestigious institutions such as the University of Dhaka, Oxford University, and Tufts University in the United States, is expected to play a crucial role in upholding the rule of law during this transitional period.
In addition to judicial reforms, the interim government has announced plans to reopen Dhaka’s metro system by the end of the week and to appoint a new central bank governor, replacing another Hasina loyalist who was recently forced to resign.
The Road Ahead
As the interim leader, Yunus faces the daunting task of stabilizing the country and preparing it for democratic elections. His administration, which includes civilians and a retired brigadier-general, is working against the clock to restore order and implement necessary reforms.
Yunus, known for his pioneering work in microfinance, has expressed his intention to hold elections “within a few months,” emphasizing that the restoration of law and order is the caretaker administration’s “first priority.”
Conclusion
The situation in Bangladesh remains fluid, with the interim government striving to address the immediate concerns of minority communities while also laying the groundwork for long-term democratic stability.
The coming weeks will be crucial as the nation navigates this turbulent period and moves toward a more inclusive and democratic future.
