Bangladesh Unrest: Tarique Rahman Returns as Minorities Face Violence

The Bangladesh Crisis: A Nation at a Crossroads Amid Political Shifts and Minority Targeted Violence

PTI

The political landscape in Bangladesh is currently undergoing a seismic shift, marked by the dramatic return of a powerful political heir and a disturbing surge in communal violence. As the country grapples with the transition under a Muhammad Yunus-led interim government, the streets of Dhaka and various Indian cities are witnessing a wave of protests that reflect a deepening regional crisis.

The Return of the Prodigal Son: Tarique Rahman Back in Dhaka

After 17 years in self-imposed exile, Tarique Rahman, the acting chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and son of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, has officially returned to Dhaka. His arrival on Thursday was greeted by thousands of supporters, signaling a major morale boost for the BNP ahead of the scheduled February elections.

Standing barefoot on his home soil, Rahman spoke of a "safe and inclusive Bangladesh," yet his return comes at a time of extreme volatility. With the Awami League currently sidelined and under a blanket ban, political analysts suggest that the path to power for the BNP has never been clearer, though the shadow of international scrutiny looms large over the fairness of the upcoming polls.

A Minority in Peril: The Lynchings of Dipu Das and Amrit Mondal

While the political elite reorganize, the ground reality for minorities has turned grim. Recent reports indicate over 2,900 incidents of violence against Hindus, Christians, and Buddhists since the interim government took charge. The brutal lynching of two Hindu men—Dipu Chandra Das in Mymensingh and Amrit Mondal in Rajbari—has become a flashpoint for international outrage.

India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has voiced "deep concern" over the relentless targeting of minorities. In a stern statement, the MEA emphasized that while India supports a democratic process in Bangladesh, the protection of all citizens regardless of faith is non-negotiable.

Protests Spill Over: From Puri to Kolkata

The ripples of the Bangladesh unrest are being felt strongly across the border in India. Several Hindu organizations, including the Bajrang Dal and Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), have taken to the streets.

In Puri: Activists staged a massive rally in front of the Jagannath Temple, demanding immediate intervention to stop the "genocide of Hindus."

In Kolkata: Protesters marched toward the Bangladesh Deputy High Commission, raising slogans against the perceived lawlessness in the neighboring nation.

Economic Boycott: In a rare move, the Greater Siliguri Hoteliers Welfare Association has announced a temporary ban on providing accommodation to Bangladeshi tourists, citing the "desecration of the Indian flag" and anti-India rhetoric seen during recent protests in Dhaka.

The Global Lens: UN and Civil Society Speak Out

The international community is watching closely as the interim government struggles to maintain order. UN Secretary-General António Guterres has urged for "maximum restraint" to preserve a peaceful electoral environment. Meanwhile, within Bangladesh, student-led groups like the Inqilab Mancha continue their blockades, demanding justice for slain leaders and complicating the government's efforts to stabilize the economy.

Indian celebrities have also joined the discourse. Actor Manoj Joshi lamented the global silence on the plight of Hindus, while Jaya Prada described the lynching of Dipu Das as a "heart-bleeding brutality" that challenges the very idea of a "new Bangladesh."

What Lies Ahead?

The interim government under Muhammad Yunus finds itself in a precarious position. On one hand, it must facilitate a free and fair election that includes the voices of all political factions; on the other, it must urgently restore the rule of law to protect its most vulnerable citizens. As Tarique Rahman begins his campaign and the death toll from communal violence rises, the next few weeks will determine whether Bangladesh can emerge as a stable democracy or descend further into a cycle of retribution.