Muhammad Yunus calls meeting with Hindu youth to address attacks on minorities

In an attempt to address the ongoing attacks against Hindus and other minorities, Bangladesh’s interim leader Muhammad Yunus has called for a meeting with Hindu students and youth on Monday. The interim government stated that the discussion would focus on resolving the current crisis and ensuring the protection of the Hindu community.

According to the reports, minority communities in Bangladesh have faced at least 205 incidents of attacks in 52 districts since the fall of the Sheikh Hasina-led government on August 5.

“The attacks on religious minorities in some places have been noted with grave concern,” said the interim government on Sunday in its first official statement since the cabinet members were sworn-in.

Amid rising concerns, minority groups have been demanding the implementation of a minority protection law to safeguard their rights. A Hindu student group has prepared an eight-point list of demands to present to Yunus.

The demands include the establishment of a fast-track tribunal for swift trials in cases of attacks on Hindus, the urgent enactment of a minority protection law, upgrading the Hindu Religious Welfare Trust to a foundation, modernising the Pali Education Board, declaring a five-day holiday during Sharadiya Durga Puja, and establishing a Ministry of Minority Affairs.

Muhammad Yunus previously condemned the attacks on minority communities, calling them “heinous,” and urged the youth to protect Hindu, Christian, and Buddhist families.