Hindus forced to resign from jobs in Bangladesh, face ‘love trap’ propaganda

The direct attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh appear to have subsided, yet they continue to face mounting threats and discrimination as fundamentalist organisations, empowered by the political climate, target the community through diverse tactics, from physical violence to social exclusion and smear campaigns.

Since the interim government, led by Nobel Peace Laureate Muhammad Yunus, assumed power in the south Asian country following the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s administration on August 5, fundamentalist groups have gained strength, escalating violence and discrimination against religious minorities.

DISCRIMINATION AND INTIMIDATION

In the latest wave of anti-Hindu moves, members of the community are being removed from government jobs, either through dismissal or forced resignations. Hindu teachers and professors, particularly in prominent universities, are allegedly being pressured to resign.

For instance, Rontu Das, an assistant professor in Chittagong University’s history department, was reportedly forced to resign. He allegedly received death threats as well. His resignation letter, in which he recounted the discrimination he faced, has gone viral on social media.

This wave of pressure extends beyond educational institutions to include Hindu cadets in the police force. Recently, 252 police sub-inspectors who had completed their training at the Sharda Police Academy were dismissed on charges of indiscipline and irregularities, among whom 91 were Hindu personnel. The appointments of these trainees occurred during Sheikh Hasina’s tenure.

Additionally, the October 20 pass-out parade for over 60 ASP-ranked officers at the Sharda Police Academy was cancelled, further delaying these officers’ placements in government roles.

A Hindu trainee, Asit, expressed his distress over these developments, saying, “The boat sank on the shore, God! I was discriminated against in Bangladesh without any discrimination. All I can say is that God will judge and history will judge the time. History has never forgiven anyone. God is the witness”.

The Hindu community claims that a climate of animosity is building, which is costing them their jobs and other opportunities. However, the radical groups allege that the previous Sheikh Hasina government favoured recruits close to her Awami League party. Now, with a new government in place, these radicals are reportedly targeting individuals, particularly Hindus.

BROAD CAMPAIGN AGAINST HINDUS

Beyond employment discrimination, a propaganda campaign, similar to the ‘love jihad’ narrative in India, is being directed at the Hindu community. Extremist groups in Bangladesh have launched a ‘love trap’ campaign, spreading accusations that Hindu men are allegedly enticing Muslim women, converting them. Posters promoting this narrative have surfaced in multiple areas, urging caution among Muslim women.

In addition, instances of vandalism targeting Hindu idols during Durga Puja were reported in various parts of Bangladesh. Police were deployed to maintain order, but radical organisations remain aggressively hostile, bolstered by their perceived support from the recent government.

In response to these targeted attacks, the Hindu community has organised numerous protests across Bangladesh, demanding justice and a peaceful coexistence. On Friday, thousands gathered under the Sanatan Jagran Manch at Chittagong’s historic Laldighi Maidan to voice their demands. The community is calling for an 8-point agenda, including:

1. Enactment of a Minority Protection Act
2. Restitution and preservation of confiscated assets
3. Creation of a Ministry of Minority Affairs
4. Expedited trials for crimes against minorities
5. Official holidays for Hindu festivals
6. Enhanced support for the Hindu Religious Welfare Trust
7. Construction of worship halls in educational institutions
8. Modernisation of Sanskrit and Pali education
9. Widespread Discrimination and Intimidation

India has repeatedly called on the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government in Bangladesh to prioritise the safety of Hindus and ensure that those responsible for attacks on the community are brought to justice.

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