Bangladeshi security forces reportedly started a crackdown on Hindus in Chittagong following protests after a derogatory Facebook post by a local Muslim trader against the International Society for Krishna Consciousness, commonly known as ISKCON, and Sanatana Dharma.
The situation turned tense on Tuesday night in Hazari Goli’s locality after the post-Osman Mollah termed ISKCON as a “terrorist organization.” So provocative was that the Hindu community members, in reaction, started gathering outside his shop and protesting. Mollah has subsequently been shifted to what authorities term “safe custody.”
On the same night, police and military forces were operating together. The attacks on Hindu establishments followed it. Videos of the incidents have gone viral on social media. A local reporter, Saifuddin Tuhin, told ANI that clashes broke out when protesters threw bricks, amongst other things, at law enforcers.
“The Osman post led the angry members of the Hindu community to clash with the law enforcement agencies. Reports were that something resembling acid was thrown at the police,”
A leader of the Hindu community said.
Following the violence, joint forces reportedly arrested some 100 people in a raid in Hazari Goli; many of them have been released after interrogation. A power cut during the operation masked much of what transpired. Bangla Daily Prothom Alo reports that blank shots were fired during the police action.
The demands to ban ISKCON have gradually gained momentum in Bangladesh, and some individuals and groups have gone up to the extent of demanding it. The ISKCON leaders have asked for an apology from Mahmudur Rahman, the editor of “Amar Desh,” because it supported the call for a ban on it. Another group named “Inqilab Manch” has also called for the ban on ISKCON.
ISKCON spokesperson Radharaman Das has sought intervention from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi: “Disturbing reports are emerging about the attack on Hindus in Chittagong. The army has taken the side of the opposite community. Casualty is a cause of concern. Recently, a Muslim student group held a press conference against the ISKCON,” he said.
Hindus, who constitute about 8 percent of the total population of 170 million people in Bangladesh, have traditionally been staunch supporters of the ruling Sheikh Hasina-headed Awami League party, which has attracted criticism following violent clashes between anti-quota protesters and security forces last month.
The political situation in Bangladesh remains tenuous, particularly after a student-led protest forced Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina from power on August 5 and was followed by weeks of demonstrations that left more than 600 people dead. Hasina is now in India, as an interim government assumed the reins headed by Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus.
