UN Condemns Violence Against Hindus in Bangladesh Amid Political Turmoil

The UN Secretary-General's spokesperson, Farhan Haq, condemned the recent violence against minority Hindus in Bangladesh. Following the fall of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s government, numerous Hindu temples and properties have been vandalized. Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus was sworn in as head of the interim government amid hopes for a peaceful transition.

Amid ongoing violence against the minority Hindu community in Bangladesh, a spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has condemned the attacks.

Farhan Haq, Deputy Spokesperson for the Secretary-General, emphasized the need to quell the recent surge in violence, which has targeted Hindu temples, homes, and businesses. Haq affirmed the UN's stance against any racially-motivated attacks.

Following Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's resignation and escape to India, the country has seen increased violence, including the vandalism of popular folk band Joler Gaan's frontman Rahul Ananda's residence, leading to the singer and his family's seclusion. Violence in Bangladesh has claimed 232 lives since Hasina's resignation, with a total death toll reaching 560 since anti-quota protests began in mid-July.

Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus has been sworn in as head of the interim government. While Secretary-General Guterres has not spoken to him, UN Resident Coordinator in Bangladesh, Gwyn Lewis, attended the swearing-in ceremony. Haq reiterated the UN's readiness to support Bangladesh's new government and investigate the recent killings upon formal request.

(With inputs from agencies.)