Bangladesh Urged to Protect Religious Minorities Amidst Violence

Transparency International Bangladesh has condemned recent attacks on religious minorities and state assets amidst violent upheaval in Bangladesh. The organization called for the safety of minorities and criticized the looting and arson of critical infrastructure. Amidst these events, President Shahabuddin dissolved Parliament and appointed Nobel laureate Mohammad Yunus as head of an interim government.

In the wake of violent attacks on religious minorities and state assets, Transparency International Bangladesh has publicly condemned these actions as detrimental to the core values of the students' movement. The anti-corruption group stressed the need for immediate security measures to protect vulnerable religious communities and national infrastructure.

Following the ouster of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, President Mohammed Shahabuddin dissolved Parliament on Tuesday and appointed 84-year-old Nobel laureate Mohammad Yunus as the leader of an interim government. The official death toll in the violence has risen to 440, with several Hindu temples and businesses targeted and vandalized. According to local leaders in Dhaka, at least two Hindu leaders from the Awami League party were among the casualties.

The destruction also reached popular folk band Joler Gaan's frontman Rahul Ananda's rented residence, where extensive damage and theft were reported. TIB highlighted the destruction that swept across critical infrastructures, calling for unity and responsibility to ensure that the country's opportunity for rebuilding is not hampered by narrow interests and communal violence.

(With inputs from agencies.)