Hundreds of Hindus in Bangladesh have attempted to flee to neighboring India this week, following incidents of sectarian violence against the minority group since Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigned on Monday after weeks of civil unrest.
The Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council identified 45 districts in the former British colony that have experienced anti-Hindu rioting by members of the Muslim-majority since Hansina’s departure.
One individual was reported killed and 45 injured in the altercations that are targeting Hindu homes, businesses, and religious institutions.
Hindus comprise roughly 8 percent of the nation’s population and have traditionally supported the ousted leader’s secular Awami League political party.
Many of the residents who want to leave have been reportedly facing obstacles on both sides of the border, as the uncertain nature of the change in government has forced officials in Dhaka and New Delhi to increase the monitoring of their territorial boundaries.
The head of Bangladesh’s interim leadership, Nobel Peace laureate Muhammad Yunus, denounced the Hindu mistreatment, explaining to his citizens that "our job is to protect all of them" before asking his compatriots to "please ensure no one is attacked in the country. If you cannot listen to me on this, I have no use being here."
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