Hindus forced to quit jobs in Bangladesh after facing ‘love trap’ propaganda

direct attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh they seem to have subsided, but they continue to face increasing threats and discrimination as fundamentalist organizations empowered by the political climate target the community with tactics ranging from physical violence to social exclusion and smear campaigns.

Since the caretaker government led by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus took power in the South Asian country following the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s administration on August 5, fundamentalist groups have gained strength, leading to escalating violence and discrimination against religious minorities.

DISCRIMINATION AND PURPOSES

IN latest wave of anti-Hindu actionscommunity members are removed from government positions either through dismissal or forced resignation. Hindu teachers and professors, especially in reputed universities, are allegedly being forced to resign. For example, Rontu Das, an associate professor in the history department of Chittagong University, was reportedly forced to resign. He also allegedly received death threats. His resignation letter, in which he spoke about the discrimination he faced, went viral on social media.

This wave of pressure goes beyond educational institutions to include Hindu cadets in the police force. Recently, 252 sub-inspectors of police trained at the Sharda Police Academy were sacked on charges of indiscipline and irregularities, of which 91 were Hindu officers. The appointments of these trainees took place during the tenure of Sheikh Hasina. Additionally, the parade for over 60 ASP officers at the Sharda Police Academy on October 20 has been cancelled, further delaying the appointment of these officers to government posts.

Hindu trainee Asit expressed his dismay at these events by saying, “The boat sank on the shore, God! In Bangladesh I was discriminated against without any discrimination. All I can say is that God will judge and history will judge time.” . History has never forgiven anyone. God is my witness.”

The Hindu community says there is a growing climate of hostility that is costing them jobs and other opportunities. However, radical groups claim that Sheikh Hasina’s previous government favored recruits close to her Awami League party. Now that a new government has come to power, these radicals are reportedly attacking individuals, especially Hindus.

WIDE CAMPAIGN AGAINST HINDUS

Apart from employment discrimination, a propaganda campaign similar to the “love jihad” narrative in India is targeting the Hindu community. Extremist groups in Bangladesh have launched a “love trap” campaign, spreading allegations that Hindu men are allegedly seducing Muslim women into converting them. Posters promoting this idea have appeared in many places, urging Muslim women to be careful.

Additionally, incidents of vandalism of Hindu idols during Durga Puja have been reported in various parts of Bangladesh. Police have been deployed to maintain order, but radical organizations remain aggressively hostile, fueled by their perceived support from the recent government.

In response to these targeted attacks, the Hindu community organized numerous protests across Bangladesh demanding justice and peaceful coexistence. On Friday, thousands gathered at the Sanatan Jagran Manch at the historic Laldiga Maidan in Chittagong to voice their demands. The community is calling for an 8-point agenda, including:

1. Passage of the Minority Protection Law
2. Restitution and preservation of confiscated property
3. Creation of the Ministry of Minority Affairs
4. Expedited trials for crimes against minorities
5. Official holidays of Hindu festivals
6. Expanded support for Hindu Religious Welfare Fund
7. Construction of prayer halls in educational institutions
8. Modernization of Sanskrit and Pali education
9. Widespread discrimination and intimidation

India has repeatedly urged the interim government of Bangladesh under Muhammad Yunus to prioritize the safety of Hindus and ensure that those responsible for attacks on the community are brought to justice.

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