International Desk, 11th August: Following the resignation of Bangladesh Chief Justice Obaidul Hassan and Central Bank Governor Abdur Rouf Talukder under pressure from student protests, the Hindu minority has staged massive demonstrations demanding protection and justice. The protests, held in Dhaka and Chattogram on August 9, were a response to recent attacks on Hindu temples, homes, and businesses.
Interim leader Muhammad Yunus condemned the violence against minorities as “heinous” and stressed the urgent need to restore law and order, emphasizing the importance of unity and protection for all citizens.
Protesters are calling for the establishment of special tribunals to expedite trials for those persecuting minorities, allocation of 10 percent of parliamentary seats for minorities, and the enactment of a minority protection law.
In addition, ASM Maksud Kamal, Vice-Chancellor of Dhaka University, has resigned amid the unrest. The violence has claimed at least 300 lives.
In response, US lawmakers, including Senator Chris Van Hollen, have called for sanctions against key figures in Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s government, urging the Biden administration to take action against former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal and Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader.
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