• Muslim students and politicians across Bangladesh are safeguarding other places of worship.
• The process of releasing those detained between July 1 and August 5 for participating in the student protests is now underway.
In Habiganj, Chittagong, and Sunamganj, amid heightened communal tensions, local students, madrasa students and political leaders, have united to guard temples and religious establishments. This protective measure was initiated following reports of vandalism in Hindu homes and temples in various parts of the country, particularly after disturbances on Monday evening.
Similar community-led safeguarding efforts have been reported in other regions, encompassing significant religious sites such as the Ramakrishna Mission and Kali Bari in Habiganj.
Russell Ahmed, the coordinator of the Anti-Discrimination Students’ Movement at Chittagong University, told the Bangla Tribune, “Miscreants are systematically attacking various public and private institutions to discredit the students’ movement.”
Ahmed further stated, “To prevent any attacks on places of worship, including temples and churches in Chittagong, we have established committees in each district and upazila to maintain vigilance since Monday evening. Additionally, I have instructed every coordinator in Chittagong to remain on the ground to ensure the security of government buildings, including places of worship.”
Former convener of the Chittagong Bangladesh Nationalist Party, Shahadat Hossain, remarked, “Everyone must exercise patience and protect state resources. Our leaders and activists should be vigilant not to attack any leaders of other parties or religious establishments, including temples, madrasas, and churches.”
Bangladesh President Mohammed Shahabuddin has dissolved the parliament—where Sheikh Hasina’s party, the Awami League, held a majority—to pave the way for an interim government to assume control. According to the Dhaka Tribune, this decision followed President Shahabuddin’s meeting with the heads of the three armed forces, representatives from political parties, student movement leaders, and various civil society groups.
Soon after Hasina resigned and fled the country on Monday, August 5, Bangladesh Army Chief Waker-Uz-Zaman appeared on national television to announce the establishment of an interim government. A press note issued by the President’s office on Tuesday also confirmed the release of Bangladesh National Party chairperson Khaleda Zia. It further indicated that the process of releasing those detained between July 1 and August 5 for participating in the student protests was underway.
