#Awami League Accusations

[warningsine]

Bangladesh’s top court has scaled back the quotas on government jobs that led to widespread student-led protests and violent clashes that killed more than 100 people.

On Sunday afternoon the supreme court overturned a ruling that had reintroduced quotas for all civil service jobs, meaning that 30% were reserved for veterans and relatives of those who fought in the Bangladesh war of independence in 1971.

The supreme court ruling, which was brought forward in light of the protests, stipulated that only 5% of jobs would now be reserved for descendants of freedom fighters and another 2% for those from ethnic minorities or with disabilities, with the rest open to candidates based on merit.

The return of the quotas, which had been scrapped in 2018, sparked anger among students, who argued they were unjust at a time of economic decline and unfairly benefited those in the ruling Awami League party, which was founded by those who fought in the independence war.

Peaceful demonstrations initially broke out on university campuses across the country as students mobilised through social media to demand an end to the quotas. However, the unrest turned violent last week as pro-government groups were accused of attacking the protesters with weapons and riot police used rubber bullets and teargas to break up protests.

Protesters hit back at police with bricks and stones in clashes across the country and stormed the headquarters of the state broadcaster in Dhaka, setting it alight. In another city, protesters broke into a prison and released hundreds of inmates.

The clashes between pro-government forces and protesters have left thousands injured and killed about 150, though the government has refused to release official data on the death toll. Witnesses have alleged that police violence is responsible for a large number of the fatalities.

The government has also imposed a communications blackout, with the internet shut down and phone lines widely jammed. At least 70 leaders of the political opposition and several student leaders and activists have also been arrested, accused of stirring up unrest.

As the court ruling was given on Sunday, the country remained under a strict indefinite curfew, with people banned from leaving their homes and gathering in any capacity. Police were granted “shoot on sight” orders for those who violated the curfew and the capital, Dhaka, resembled a war zone, with military personnel and tanks patrolling the streets and army helicopters flying low over the city. While the roads were largely deserted, protests continued in some quarters of the capital.

Student organisers said the supreme court ruling did not mean the end of the protests, which have escalated into the greatest challenge in years to the prime minister, Sheikh Hasina, with many calling for her resignation. Hasina, who has been in office since 2009, has been accused of authoritarianism and rampant corruption and her re-election in January was widely documented as rigged.

Mahfuzul Hasan, a protest coordinator from Jahangirnagar University, said they still had several demands that the government must meet before they would call off the demonstrations.

“Now we want justice for the lives lost of our brothers. The prime minister has to apologise and those who are guilty have to be tried,” he said. Hasan said student groups were also calling for the removal of vice-chancellors of universities where protesters faced violence, and politicians who spread inflammatory remarks about the protesters.

He said he was among many student protest leaders who now feared for their safety and were concerned about being “abducted” by law enforcement agencies, as has often happened to critics of Hasina’s government.

Hasib Al-Islam, a Dhaka university student and protest coordinator, said he saw the supreme court verdict as positive but said students were waiting to see how Hasina’s government responded and were demanding that a quota reform bill be passed through parliament.

Islam said: “Our protest against the quota system is already under way, and it will continue until the government issues a executive order in line with our reform demands.”

Among those calling for justice was the family of Abu Sayeed, a final year English student who killed in the protests on Thursday, allegedly by the police. A video of Sayeed being fired at by police during a protest at a university in the city of Rangpur had gone viral on social media before the government shut down the internet. Hospital sources said Sayeed had rubber bullet wounds on his body when he was brought in dead.

Sayeed’s brother Abu Hossain said Sayeed had been the only one in the family to make it to university. “The entire family was so proud of him; we had such high hopes for him,” said Hossain. “My parents are in shock; our only hope is lost.”

Hossain said his family stood behind the protesting students and wanted justice for his murder. “My brother died for demanding fair rights for every student,” he said. “He died a martyr. I hope he’ll be remembered for it and his death was not in vain.”

[zvaigzdelasas]

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has won an overwhelming majority in Bangladesh's parliamentary election[...]

At least 18 arson attacks preceded the vote but the election day passed in relative calm.[...]

The main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party led by former premier Khaleda Zia refused to accept the election outcome[...]

Authorities blamed much of the violence on the BNP, accusing it of seeking to sabotage the election. On Saturday, detectives arrested seven men belonging to the BNP and its youth wing for their alleged involvement in the train attack. The party denied any role in the incident. On Sunday, a supporter of an Awami League candidate was stabbed to death in Munshiganj district near the capital, Dhaka, officials said.

7 Jan 24

[metamatar]

[From 15 Dec 2023]

me when im against fascism:

Its predecessor, the party (Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan), strongly opposed the independence of Bangladesh and break-up of Pakistan. In 1971, paramilitary forces associated with the party collaborated with the Pakistan Army in mass killings of Bangladeshi nationalists and pro-intellectuals.[14][15][16][17][18][19][20]

Upon the independence of Bangladesh in 1971, the new government banned Jamaat-e-Islami from political participation since the government was secular and some of its leaders went into exile in Pakistan. Following the assassination of the first president and the military coup in 1975, the ban on the Jamaat was lifted and the new party Jamaat-e-Islami Bangladesh was formed. Exiled leaders were allowed to return. Abbas Ali Khan was the acting Amir of Jamaat-e-Islami Bangladesh. The Jamaat agenda is the creation of an "Islamic state" with the Sha'ria legal system, and outlawing "un-Islamic" practices and laws. For this reason, it interpretes their central political concept "Iqamat-e-Deen" as establishing Islamic state by possession of state power

Upon the independence of Bangladesh in 1971, the new government banned Jamaat-e-Islami from political participation since the government was secular and some of its leaders went into exile in Pakistan. Following the assassination of the first president and the military coup in 1975, the ban on the Jamaat was lifted and the new party Jamaat-e-Islami Bangladesh was formed.

[...] In 2010 the government, led by the Awami League, began prosecution of war crimes committed during the 1971 war under the International Crimes Tribunal. By 2012, two leaders of the BNP, one leader from Jatiyo Party and eight of Jamaat had been charged with war crimes, and by March 2013, three Jamaat leaders had been convicted of crimes. In response, the Jamaat held major strikes and protests across the country, which led to more than 60 deaths (mostly by security forces.)

The former leader of Jamaat-e-Islami, Bangladesh's largest Islamist party, was sentenced to 90 years in jail for crimes against humanity on 15 July 2013. [...]

In 1973, the government cancelled his citizenship for allegedly co-operating with Pakistani forces during the independence war.

Azam lived as an exile in Pakistan and the UK but returned to Bangladesh in 1978 when the country was led by Gen Ziaur Rahman - the assassinated husband of the country's current opposition leader [of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party] Khaleda Zia.

Minority community leaders, rights activists and liberal personalities have raised concerns over the call by acting chief of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Tarique Rahman, who stands convicted in a number of cases, for party men to mobilise on the streets for "regime change" on 28 October [2023].

[...] Rana Dasgupta said, considering the violent attacks orchestrated by BNP in the past, "this latest threat by Tarique is deeply concerning for the minorities in Bangladesh".

"Any political party that complies with the basic tenets of democracy should refrain from issuing such threats publicly," Dasgupta, general secretary of Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Oikya Parishad, added.

In the run-up to the 2014 national election, violence on the streets coupled with targeted attacks on minorities across the country still traumatise the victims, he observed

[jobaaj]

🚨𝐌𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐁𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐥𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐬𝐡!🚨 𝐵𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑙𝑎𝑑𝑒𝑠ℎ𝑖𝑠 𝑎𝑟𝑒 𝑎𝑔𝑎𝑖𝑛𝑠𝑡 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑞𝑢𝑜𝑡𝑎 𝑠𝑦𝑠𝑡𝑒𝑚!!? 🚨 What’s going on?

Hundreds of students are protesting in universities and cities all over Bangladesh!

Things have gotten serious: 6 people have died and over 400 are hurt!

The government is shutting down all universities indefinitely!

🧐 Why?

Unfair job reservations.

Bangladesh brought back a 30% job quota for descendants of 1971 war freedom fighters.

Now, 56% of government jobs are reserved: 30% for freedom fighters' descendants, 10% for districts, 10% for women, 5% for ethnic minorities, and 1% for the physically disabled!

😲𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐥𝐲: - The students are not against the reservation for women, minorities, and so on, but are against the unjustified 30% quota for freedom fighters’ descendants! - They claim that it lowers the chances of the average Bangladeshi while simultaneously increasing discrimination. - PM Hasina’s Awami League has defended the reservation, stating that it was necessary to honour the sacrifices of the fighters. - Moreover, the party has accused the protesters of being ‘Razakars’, people who collaborated with Pakistan in 1971!!! ❓𝙸̲𝚜̲ ̲𝚜̲𝚞̲𝚌̲𝚑̲ ̲𝚊̲ ̲𝚛̲𝚎̲𝚜̲𝚎̲𝚛̲𝚟̲𝚊̲𝚝̲𝚒̲𝚘̲𝚗̲ ̲𝚛̲𝚎̲𝚊̲𝚕̲𝚕̲𝚢̲ ̲𝚗̲𝚎̲𝚌̲𝚎̲𝚜̲𝚜̲𝚊̲𝚛̲𝚢̲?? Follow Jobaaj Stories (the media arm of Jobaaj.com Group for more)

[sharunchowdhury]

Sharun Chowdhury: Victim of False News by Daily Sun and Banglanews

In a recent development, media outlets, including the Daily Sun and Banglanews24, have come under scrutiny for allegedly disseminating false and fabricated news targeting Sharun Chowdhury and his family. This controversy has arisen amidst claims of a personal rivalry between Nazmul Karim Sharun Chowdhury and Sayem Sobhan Anvir, the owner of the media conglomerate Bashundhara Group.

The media houses under question, including Daily Sun, Daily Kaler Kantho, Banglanews24, Kaler Kantho, and TV Channel News24, have been accused of consistently publishing baseless stories against Sharun Chowdhury and his family. Sharun and his father, Shamsul Hoque Chowdhury MP, who holds the position of Whip of the National Parliament, have now taken legal action by filing a $50 million defamation case against Ahmed Akbar Sobhan, the owner of Bashundhara Group, and Sayem Sobhan Anvir.

The dispute reportedly stems from a personal clash between Nazmul Karim Chowdhury Sharun, who is also a director of the Chittagong Chamber of Commerce and a prominent member of the Bangladesh Awami League, and Sayem Sobhan Anvir. Sharun claimed in various media outlets that this rivalry began due to allegations of an extramarital affair between Sayem Sobhan Anvir and Sharun’s ex-wife, Saifa Rahman Mims.

Sharun stated, “After our divorce, my ex-wife had nothing to do with me, but I don’t understand why Anvir and Saifa Mims ganged up to defame me and my family using their news media. It’s a shameless and unethical effort to use a media house against personal enmity. I have integrity, and the people know about me and my family. My father has been elected three times as a parliament member and is one of the most popular politicians in Chittagong. This low-class effort by Bashundhara-owned media cannot harm our reputation, as people know who we are. In fact, people have started boycotting them and their media.”

In a remarkable display of solidarity, more than 10,000 individuals from various corners of Chittagong gathered in front of the Chittagong Press Club to express their anger and support for Sharun Chowdhury and his family. The gathering was a response to the allegations of fake news being spread about them by media outlets owned by Bashundhara Group, including the Daily Sun and Banglanews24.

Fueled by outrage over what they perceive as a deliberate attempt to tarnish Sharun Chowdhury’s reputation, the protesters made their voices heard loud and clear. They came together to denounce the alleged false reporting and manipulative news coverage targeting Sharun and his family.

In a symbolic act of condemnation, the demonstrators set effigies of Sayem Sobhan Anvir and his father, Shah Alam, ablaze. These actions underscore the intensity of public sentiment against what they view as malicious activities by the media outlets associated with the Bashundhara Group.

This massive gathering not only highlights the deep-rooted anger within the community but also serves as a testament to the widespread support that Sharun Chowdhury enjoys in Chittagong. As this controversy continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how these developments will impact the ongoing dispute between Sharun Chowdhury and the Bashundhara Group-owned media outlets.

This ongoing feud has not only drawn significant attention within political and media circles but has also raised questions about the role of media houses in personal conflicts. As the legal battle unfolds, the public awaits further developments in this high-profile case.

[tyhi]

from the article:

While the government is not releasing official statistics of fatalities and injuries, local media has estimated thousands have been injured and that the death toll has hit 115.

[...]

[The protests] began earlier this month on university campuses as students protested against the reintroduction of civil service job quotas that they say are discriminatory and benefit the Awami League, led by Sheikh Hasina, the prime minister.

This week, the protests have spread far beyond campus grounds and grown into a larger movement against Hasina’s government, which has ruled since 2009. Hasina is accused of overseeing rampant authoritarianism, police brutality and corruption, with her re-election in January boycotted by the opposition and widely documented as rigged. The country’s economy has also suffered a severe economic downturn since the outbreak of Covid, leaving tens of millions unemployed and grappling with record inflation.

Things are getting worse in Bangladesh.

[werindialive]

Hasina Accuses Yunus of Mass Killings and Minority Targeting in Bangladesh

In a dramatic virtual address to Awami League party workers in New York, deposed Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina leveled serious allegations against Muhammad Yunus, accusing him of masterminding mass killings and orchestrating attacks against religious minorities in Bangladesh.

Hasina, who fled Bangladesh on August 5 amid violent student protests, made explosive claims about the current interim government led by Yunus. She directly accused Yunus and student coordinators of executing a "meticulous designed plan" targeting religious communities and political opponents. This is the top news headline in India today.

Targeting of Religious Minorities Sparks Concern

The former prime minister highlighted a disturbing pattern of violence sweeping across Bangladesh. She emphasized the systematic attacks on religious minorities, pointing out that Hindus, Buddhists, and Christians have been particularly vulnerable. "Churches and several temples have been attacked," Hasina declared, questioning the motivation behind these targeted assaults.

Describing the deteriorating situation, Hasina painted a grim picture of widespread unrest. She claimed that teachers, police, and civilians are being attacked and killed indiscriminately. The recent arrests of three Hindu monks have further intensified concerns about the safety of minority communities.

A Dramatic Escape and Continuing Conflict

Hasina also revealed dramatic details about her departure from the country. She claimed an armed mob approached Gana Bhavan intending to assassinate her, eerily similar to the assassination of her father, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, in 1975. "I did not want a massacre," she stated, explaining her decision to leave to prevent potential bloodshed.

The former leader suggested that a broader conspiracy was at play, referencing statements by Tarique Rahman, a BNP leader, who allegedly predicted that continued deaths would destabilize the government.

These allegations come at a critical time when Bangladesh is experiencing significant political turbulence. The Muhammad Yunus-led interim government took charge after Hasina's departure, marking a dramatic shift in the country's political landscape.

Hasina's accusations have drawn international attention to the ongoing crisis in Bangladesh, raising urgent questions about political stability, minority rights, and the potential for escalating violence.

As the situation continues to develop, the international community watches closely, hoping for a peaceful resolution to the mounting tensions in the South Asian nation.

To read top international news in Hindi, subscribe to our newsletter.

[ebelal56-blog]

Revealing the Complexity of India-Bangladesh Relations

The relationship between India and Bangladesh is complex, rooted in historical, political, and geopolitical factors. Here are some key aspects that might help explain India's stance and its perceived reliance on the Awami League: 1. Historical Context 1971 Independence War: India played a critical role in Bangladesh's independence from Pakistan in 1971, under the leadership of the Awami League's Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. India provided military and logistical support to Bangladesh during the Liberation War, which cemented a strong relationship between the two nations, particularly with the Awami League. This historical bond has shaped India's trust in the Awami League. 2. Geopolitical and Security Concerns Regional Stability: India often views its relationship with Bangladesh through the lens of regional security. Over the years, the Indian government has been concerned about cross-border terrorism, insurgencies in its northeastern states, and illegal immigration. In this context, the Awami League, under Sheikh Hasina, has been seen as a reliable partner in addressing security concerns. Hasina's government has been cooperative in countering terrorism, managing border issues, and cracking down on anti-India groups. Islamist Extremism: India fears the rise of Islamist extremist groups in Bangladesh, some of which have ties to political parties like the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Jamaat-e-Islami. The BNP's association with Jamaat-e-Islami, a party seen as sympathetic to Pakistan and more conservative in its stance, has often been a concern for India, contributing to India's preference for the Awami League. 3. Economic and Strategic Interests Trade and Connectivity: Bangladesh is vital to India’s regional trade and connectivity strategy, especially for access to the northeastern states. The Awami League has been supportive of India’s plans to improve transit, trade, and infrastructure projects, strengthening bilateral ties. Energy and Water Sharing: India and Bangladesh have had contentious negotiations over shared rivers and energy cooperation. The Awami League has worked with India to resolve some of these issues, while other political factions in Bangladesh have historically opposed India’s dominance in these matters. 4. Perceived Dependency on Awami League Awami League as a Trusted Ally: Given the history and security cooperation, India sees the Awami League as a stable and predictable partner. This reliance can be seen as a pragmatic choice based on the party's past actions and positions, especially in comparison to the perceived volatility of other political factions. Creating a Narrative: The narrative that portrays other parties, particularly the BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami, as hostile or "Jonggi" (terrorist) could be part of a broader political strategy. Some of it stems from the Awami League’s own internal politics, where it seeks to consolidate power by undermining its opponents. India, on its part, may view this through the lens of its own security and economic interests, amplifying concerns over Islamist extremism and anti-India sentiments. 5. Criticism of India's Approach Lack of Political Balance: Critics argue that India’s overt reliance on the Awami League undermines the democratic balance in Bangladesh, as it seems to favor one party over others. This has led to accusations that India is interfering in Bangladesh's internal politics, a point that has caused friction in Bangladeshi society. Perception of Control: Some in Bangladesh view India’s close relationship with the Awami League as a form of undue influence, particularly in sensitive areas like elections and governance. This has led to anti-Indian sentiments in some segments of the Bangladeshi population. In summary, India's perceived "anti-Bangladesh" stance and reliance on the Awami League can be seen as driven by security, economic, and historical reasons. However, this approach has its downsides, particularly in terms of Bangladesh's internal political dynamics and how other political factions perceive India's role.

[kimskashmir]

Shakib Al Hasan accused of murder during Bangladesh unrest, named in FIR along with 156 others

NEW DELHI — Bangladesh’s veteran all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan is amongst 156 people named in a murder case FIR filed in Dhaka’s Adabor area, in connection with the protests called by students in the country earlier this month. According to a report in Cricbuzz, the FIR was filed on August 22 by Rubel’s father, Rafiqul Islam, which names 154 local Awami League leaders and activists accused of his…

[infocrazebyrepwoop]

Murder Case Filed Against Sheikh Hasina and Top Officials Over Mohammadpur Police Shooting

A murder case has been filed against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and six other high-profile individuals in connection with the death of grocery shop owner Abu Sayed, who was killed in police firing in Dhaka’s Mohammadpur area on July 19. The incident occurred during a procession supporting the quota reform movement in Bosila. The other accused include Awami League General Secretary…

[warningsine]

“Inni, we are independent!” my 26-year-old cousin chanted from Shahbagh, a neighbourhood in Bangladesh’s capital Dhaka, as millions joined a major protest march on Monday to the country’s Parliament House.

Soon after, social media was flooded with news of “a new independence” – a free Bangladesh reborn after the autocratic leader of over 15 years, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, fled the country in the face of defiant public demand for her resignation.

It was the startling culmination of weeks of unrest that resulted in some 300 deaths and thousands of arrests.

Now, the young protesters who instigated the protests have a real opportunity to contribute to the political discourse in a previously discriminatory system of government. Will the interim government listen – and bring real change to the country?

What’s been happening in recent weeks?

The student protests erupted last month over a quota system that reserved 30% of government jobs for Bangladesh’s 1971 liberation war veterans and their relatives. The students demanded a merit-based system, deeming the current one unfair and biased.

As the protests grew, Bangladesh’s faux democratic regime totally broke down. The government cut mobile internet, imposed a nationwide shoot-on-sight curfew, and deployed the army and police to the streets.

The government’s violent response quickly transformed the demonstrations into a full-fledged “people’s uprising” aimed at toppling Hasina and her Awami League party.

After days of intense clashes between student protesters, police and ruling party activists, the Supreme Court reduced the quota to just 5% of jobs for veterans and their relatives. Despite this concession, protesters continued to demand accountability for those killed in the weeks of unrest.

The government tried to deflect blame, claiming the demand for Hasina’s resignation had been orchestrated by the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and the now-banned Jamaat-e-Islami party.

The prime minister labelled the protesters as criminals to be dealt with harshly, leading to a severe erosion of political trust. When Hasina offered to meet with student leaders on Saturday, a coordinator fervently refused.

Sunday marked one of the deadliest days in Bangladesh’s history of civil unrest, with at least 98 people killed and hundreds injured.

Anti-government sentiment spread rapidly, fuelled by accusations the government was intimidating protesters, denying medical care to the injured and arresting thousands for exercising their democratic rights.

As the unrest grew, Hasina’s grip on power weakened until she was finally forced to flee.

Deep-seated inequality and anger

While the student protests initially targeted the quota system, broader public discontent quickly emerged. Bangladeshis were angry over the repressive political climate, the weakening economy and the government’s inability to tackle pressing issues, such as inequality, youth unemployment and high inflation.

This discontent has come despite the fact Bangladesh has achieved significant economic success since Hasina came back into office in 2009, largely fuelled by the garment industry.

Bangladesh has become one of the fastest-growing economies in the region. Per capita income has tripled in the last decade and over 25 million people have been lifted out of poverty in the past 20 years.

However, the economic fruits have been unevenly distributed, favouring the rich, who tend to support the Awami League. The wealthiest 10% of the population control 41% of the nation’s income, while the bottom 10% receive just 1.3%.

The country’s economic success failed to meet the aspirations of the younger generation, in particular. By 2023, 40% of those aged 15–29 were classified as “NEET” – which means “not in employment, education or training”. University graduates have faced higher unemployment rates than their less-educated peers.

Rising inflation, reaching nearly 10%, and increased living expenses have compounded these hardships. Utility costs soared as the government raised electricity and gas prices three times in a single year.

The root causes of the quota protests, therefore, ran deep. And this anger was especially pronounced for the disenchanted and politically marginalised youth. Their demands were clear: they wanted fair elections, government accountability and the restoration of democratic norms.

Bottom-up transition to democracy

In all senses, Bangladesh has not been a democracy since its 1971 independence war against Pakistan. The country has been plagued by corruption, the suppression of free speech and the press, and flagrant repression of the opposition. This has included politically motivated arrests, disappearances and extrajudicial killings.

Elections have also not been free and fair. The highly controversial election in January that returned Hasina to power for a fourth consecutive term, for instance, was boycotted by her main opponents. Many of their leaders were jailed.

But the recent protests have offered hope of a bottom-up transition to democracy.

Young people have played a pivotal role in bringing down Hasina’s government through their sheer numbers, as well as their spirit, resilience, defiance and solidarity. They were tech-savvy, too, ingeniously navigating the internet and mobile data crackdowns to mobilise protesters, both at home and abroad.

However, a true democratic transition in Bangladesh now requires competitive elections and a new form of governance. While the army has promised an all-party inclusive interim government, it remains unclear if and how youth leaders will be invited to the decision-making table.

Despite being highly educated and committed to democracy, young Bangladeshis – especially young women – have been marginalised by traditional, hierarchical and patriarchal political structures. In 2022, for example, only 0.29% of parliamentarians were under 30, and 5.71% were under 40.

The current power vacuum presents a significant opportunity to politically empower the country’s youth. The underlying economic and social ills that led to the protests are largely youth issues. Without adequate political representation and participation, there is a risk of further marginalisation, increased distrust in the political process and potential democratic collapse.

While the road ahead is fraught with challenges, Bangladesh’s youth have demonstrated their readiness to fight for their rights and their future.

[sa7abnews]

Bangladesh protests threaten safety of religious minorities as temples burned, homes ransacked

New Post has been published on https://sa7ab.info/2024/08/09/bangladesh-protests-threaten-safety-of-religious-minorities-as-temples-burned-homes-ransacked/

Bangladesh protests threaten safety of religious minorities as temples burned, homes ransacked

Bangladesh has descended into chaos following the shock departure of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Monday, with religious minorities targeted as riots spread throughout the country. “You people are descendants of the Awami League! This country is in a bad shape because of you. You should leave the country,” a mob shouted at Hindu residents of a mixed neighborhood, the BBC reported. Crowds gathered over the weekend to express intense anger at the economic turmoil that much of the country has suffered. Many believe that elites who aligned with the ruling Awami League party, however, have prospered in this time, giving way to deep anti-government sentiment. Those sentiments came to a head on Monday when protesters ransacked Hasina’s official residence, her party offices and a museum dedicated to her father, while Hasina resigned and fled to neighboring India. NOBEL LAUREATE TAPPED TO LEAD BANGLADESH AFTER EMBATTLED PRIME MINISTER’S OUSTERThe country has a makeup of 90% Muslims, with the rest of the population largely Hindu and very small pockets, around 5% each, of Buddhists and Christians. The ruling Awami League party, which Hasina led, is a secular group, but rivals often view Hindus as their supporters – making them prime targets for their anger in the wake of the prime minister’s flight. A crackdown on the protests prior to Hasina’s departure led to the deaths of over 200 people, which only inflamed the protests and strengthened resolve, The New York Times reported. The U.S. State Department urged Americans to avoid traveling to the country as civil unrest continues, going so far as to order all non-emergency U.S. government employees and their families to flee on Monday as protests grew more severe. “Travelers should not travel to Bangladesh due to ongoing civil unrest in Dhaka,” the State Department wrote in the advisory. “Violent clashes have occurred in the city of Dhaka, its neighboring areas, and throughout Bangladesh, and the Bangladeshi Army is deployed nationwide.”BANGLADESH STUDENT PROTESTERS TO MEET WITH MILITARY CHIEF AFTER OUSTING COUNTRY’S PMIndian Minister of External Affairs Subrahmanyam Jaishankar said on Tuesday that India remained “particularly” worried about the “minorities, their businesses and temples also… under attack at multiple locations. The full extent of this is still not clear.” “We are also monitoring the situation with regard to the status of minorities,” Jaishankar said. “There are reports of initiatives by various groups and organizations to ensure their protection and well-being. We welcome that, but will naturally remain deeply concerned till law and order is visibly restored.”The organization Open Doors, which tracks discrimination of Christians worldwide, ranked Bangladesh as having “very high” persecution levels, claiming that “converts to Christianity face the most severe restrictions, discrimination and attacks.””Religious beliefs are tied to the identity of the community, so turning from the locally dominant faith to following Jesus can result in accusations of betrayal,” the group wrote on its website. “Bangladeshi converts often gather in small house churches due to the risk of attack.”TRUMP ON RUSSIA PRISONER SWAP, WH FOREIGN POLICY: NOBODY RESPECTS BIDEN AND KAMALAThe Hindu reported that Hindu businesses and homes were targeted in the violence – at least 97 places on Monday and Tuesday “attacked, vandalized and looted,” according to Rana Dasgupta, the general secretary of the Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council. At least 10 Hindu temples were attacked on Monday, the council said, which raised concerns among European Union diplomats who expressed great concern over “reports of multiple attacks against places of worship and members of religious, ethnic and other minorities in Bangladesh.” “We urgently appeal to all parties to exercise restraint, reject communal violence and uphold the human rights of all Bangladeshis,” EU Ambassador to Bangladesh Charles Whiteley wrote on social media platform X.Hundreds of people were killed as Bangladeshi security forces cracked down on the demonstrations – violence that only fueled them, even after the quota system was dramatically scaled back.It showed that her government “wildly underestimated just how much anger there was among the public, and the sources of the anger which went beyond the issue of job quotas,” said Michael Kugelman, director of the South Asia Institute at the Wilson Center.The Associated Press contributed to this report. 

[qudachuk]

Sheikh Hasina and her Awami League party are seeking a fourth consecutive term and are accused of harassing the rival BNP partyIn Bangladesh, there is no more room left in the prisons. In the last two weeks alone, almost...

[jobaaj]

🚨𝐕𝐢𝐨𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐁𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐥𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐬𝐡🚨 𝟐𝟎𝟎+ 𝐝𝐞𝐚𝐝, 𝟏𝟎,𝟎𝟎𝟎+ 𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐝!! 🤔 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐇𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐝?

⚠️ Violence has gripped Bangladesh.

🚨 Violent protests have erupted across multiple cities, tragically claiming the lives of 93 people!

🥊 Protesters clashed with security forces, resulting in hundreds of injuries and the torching of ruling Awami League offices!

🕒 A curfew has been imposed, the government is on a three-day holiday, and internet services have been terminated!

🧐 𝐖𝐡𝐲?

🌐 Due to ongoing protests.

📅 Last month, Bangladeshi students protested the government’s decision to reserve 30% of government jobs for descendants of freedom fighters!

⚖️ While the Supreme Court did rule the reservations back, it did not terminate them.

🚓 Moreover, the government began rounding up protesters and their families, arresting thousands (mostly Opposition leaders), and issued shoot-on-sight orders to stamp out the protests!!

📉 A record 270 people have died since July, and over 10,300 have been arrested!

😲𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐥𝐲: - The protesters have accused PM Hasina of acting like a dictator and using excessive force to extinguish dissent! - They now want PM Hasina to resign and face trial! - PM Hasina has denied all charges and called the protesters criminals who aimed to destabilize the nation!! ❓𝙸̲𝚜̲ 𝚝̲𝚑̲𝚒̲𝚜̲ 𝚊 𝚜̲𝚒̲𝚖̲𝚙̲𝚕̲𝚎̲ 𝚙̲𝚛̲𝚘̲𝚝̲𝚎̲𝚜̲𝚝̲ 𝚖̲𝚘̲𝚟̲𝚎̲𝚖̲𝚎̲𝚗̲𝚝̲? 𝙾̲𝚛̲ 𝚊̲ 𝚕̲𝚊̲𝚛̲𝚐̲𝚎̲𝚛̲ 𝚙̲𝚘̲𝚕̲𝚒̲𝚝̲𝚒̲𝚌̲𝚊̲𝚕̲ 𝚐̲𝚊̲𝚖̲𝚎̲?? Follow Jobaaj Stories (the media arm of Jobaaj.com Group for more)

Follow Jobaaj Stories (the media arm of Jobaaj Group) for more updates. Jobaaj Stories started as a storytelling branch and now includes news, inspiring stories, and valuable information. Our mission is to educate and inspire young professionals and students through storytelling, providing you with information and motivation.

[xtruss]

U.S. Doubles Down Ahead of Bangladesh Vote

Supporters of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party take part in a rally in Dhaka, Bangladesh, on Dec. 10, 2022. Rehman Asad/AFP via Getty Images

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced a policy last week that reserves the right to deny visas to individuals in Bangladesh determined to be involved in efforts to hinder free and fair elections in the country and undermine the democratic process. Bangladesh’s national elections are scheduled for next January.

In recent years, Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has cracked down hard on the political opposition, the free press, and broader dissent. Bangladesh’s two previous elections, in 2014 and 2018, were marred by allegations of rigging.

Although harsh, the new U.S. measure isn’t surprising. Many members of Bangladesh’s political class travel regularly to the United States; some, including Hasina, have family members there. The Biden administration has made Bangladesh an example of its values-based foreign policy, which emphasizes promoting human rights and democracy overseas. U.S. officials have applied this approach selectively—Washington has said little publicly about democratic backsliding in New Delhi, for example. But in Bangladesh, the policy has been robust and consistent.

The Biden administration has sought to strengthen its relationship with Bangladesh, in part to reduce the country’s reliance on Chinese economic support. But the United States has put democracy at the forefront of all bilateral engagement with Bangladesh. U.S. officials have criticized democratic backsliding in Dhaka, and Washington hasn’t been afraid to back up its criticism with a big stick: In 2021, it sanctioned the Rapid Action Battalion, a Bangladeshi paramilitary force, for human rights violations.

Biden administration officials speak of the importance of free and fair elections in Bangladesh, but in private add they don’t want to have to decide if U.S. policy toward the country changes in the event of a rigged vote. The new visa policy, a strong incentive for Bangladesh’s political leaders to ensure free and fair elections, is likely aimed at avoiding that decision.

U.S. efforts to promote democracy in Bangladesh have been shaky, and Dhaka hasn’t responded kindly to Washington’s implied criticism. Some contacts in Bangladesh suggest the United States is fed up with Hasina’s ruling Awami League party and would prefer that the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party win in January. In a parliamentary speech last month, Hasina indirectly accused Washington of trying to oust her government.

The visa policy pointedly applies to “any” individual that hinders free and fair elections. Government and opposition leaders in Bangladesh have both reacted favorably to the policy, with each suggesting the other side is in the crosshairs. Values-based foreign policy may provoke U.S. tensions with Bangladesh, but this latest measure could defuse them.

U.S. Ambassador to Bangladesh Peter Haas depicted the policy as a success for public diplomacy, showing that both Washington and Dhaka agree on the need for free and fair elections. Still, it’s worth asking why the Biden administration has made Dhaka a focus of its democracy promotion, especially given the risk of friction in a relationship that Washington is keen to strengthen. Bangladesh is neither a competitor like China nor a pariah state like Myanmar.

The answer may be simple. The United States believes that Bangladesh has not addressed its long-standing concerns about human rights and democracy, which predate the Biden administration. Recent actions could merely reflect policy continuity—and a tightening of the screws.

It’s also clear that one of the risks of pushing the democracy agenda in Bangladesh—driving it closer to China—may be exaggerated. In recent years, the United States was Bangladesh’s top export destination and its biggest source of foreign direct investment. Dhaka may value Chinese infrastructure support, but its commercial partnership with Washington is also critical. Moreover, Hasina and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi enjoy close relations; Dhaka seeks to balance relations with all three powers.

Geopolitical considerations aside, a potential policy conundrum looms for Washington: What if Bangladesh’s 2024 election is not free or fair, despite the new U.S. visa measure? At that point, Washington may have to do what it hopes to avoid and reassess its policy toward Dhaka.