Minority Rights Group Accuses Interim Government of Failing to Protect Minorities

The Bangladesh Hindu-Buddhist-Christian Unity Council, the country’s largest minority rights organization, has accused the interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus of failing to protect religious and ethnic minorities from attacks and harassment. The council claims that the government is using state institutions to suppress minority groups. Between August 4 and 20, the council reported 2,010 incidents of communal violence, resulting in 23 deaths and nine women raped. The council has called for the release of Chinmoy Das Prabhu, a Hindu leader accused of sedition. The government denies these allegations, stating that there are no communal reasons behind the incidents.

In a related development, a Bangladeshi court has again denied bail to Krishna Das Prabhu, a Hindu leader arrested for leading large protests demanding better security for minorities. Prabhu faces sedition charges, and his continued detention has raised concerns among minority communities about their safety under the interim government.

These events highlight ongoing tensions and challenges faced by minority communities in Bangladesh during the current political transition.