Bangladesh confirms 88 incidents of violence against minorities following political changes
Dhaka: Bangladesh has confirmed 88 incidents of communal violence targeting minorities, primarily Hindus, between August 5 and October 22, 2024. The disclosure came a day after India raised concerns over the safety of minorities during a meeting between Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and Bangladeshi leadership.
Shafiqul Alam, press secretary to interim government head Muhammad Yunus, stated that 70 individuals have been arrested in connection with these violent incidents. He added that further arrests are likely as new cases of violence continue to emerge from regions like Sunamganj and Gazipur.
While the government maintains that the violence was not primarily driven by religious animus, some attacks appear to have targeted former members of the ousted ruling party or stemmed from personal disputes. Alam confirmed that additional details on post-October 22 incidents would be shared soon.
India's concerns about the safety of Bangladesh's Hindu minority were raised during Misri's visit to Dhaka for annual foreign office consultations.
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“Goli maro…” slogan raised as ABVP-linked group disrupts play at University of Hyderabad
Hyderabad: A group allegedly linked to the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) disrupted a theatre performance at the University of Hyderabad on Sunday evening. The group is also accused of vandalising property and assaulting students.
Slogans such as “Desh ke gaddaron ko, goli maro…” were raised during the incident, according to eyewitnesses.
According to the Observer Post, the disruption happened as Mahesh Elkunchwar's play Holi was being staged at the Department of Theatre Arts' GB Hall. The group reportedly objected to certain portions of the play, claiming that some phrases hurt religious sentiments.
According to accounts from those present, the situation escalated when individuals forced their way into the venue after damaging fixtures and breaking glass panels outside the auditorium. Students attempting to intervene were reportedly assaulted, and a guest faculty member was allegedly threatened.
Several students sustained injuries and were provided initial treatment at the campus health centre before being shifted to a nearby hospital.
Police later arrived at the scene, brought the situation under control, and escorted those inside the hall to safety. Witnesses said tensions remained high, with some members of the group continuing to raise slogans during the evacuation.
