Heart and Soul: The plight of Hindus in Bangladesh, part two
Jan 10, 2025
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Sahar Zand highlights the alarming plight of Bangladesh's Hindu minority through the eyes of young activists documenting violence. She uncovers heart-wrenching stories, including a grieving mother who lost her son while trying to flee. The podcast also confronts a far-right leader accused of inciting violence and explores the emotional toll on victims. As mob attacks escalate, personal testimonies reveal the community's struggle for justice and safety amid a climate of oppression and fear.
Young Hindu activists are documenting escalating violence against their community, highlighting the urgent need for media awareness and support from authorities.
Inflammatory rhetoric from far-right Islamist leaders exacerbates anti-Hindu sentiments, creating a dangerous atmosphere that fuels communal tensions in Bangladesh.
Deep dives
Escalating Violence Against Hindus in Bangladesh
Violence against the Hindu minority in Bangladesh has surged following the collapse of Sheikh Hasina's government in August 2024. Hindu university students Bonomali and Shokanto document these attacks, with reports of eight to nine incidents occurring weekly, including extortion, destruction of property, and sexual violence. A notable example is a barn owned by a Hindu farmer, which was burned down, resulting in a loss of income and leaving the family in shock. The students emphasize the importance of raising awareness about these atrocities to garner support from authorities and the media.
Fear and Silence Among Victims
The Hindu community faces a pervasive atmosphere of fear, which discourages victims from speaking out about their experiences. Many individuals who have suffered attacks are reluctant to share their stories with authorities or the media due to concerns about retaliation from the attackers. The podcast highlights a story about a charred barn, where the owner, too afraid to speak publicly, represents countless others who remain silent. This culture of fear prevents victims from receiving the support they desperately need, leaving them vulnerable in an increasingly hostile environment.
Rhetoric and Radicalization
Inflammatory rhetoric from influential Islamic leaders contributes significantly to anti-Hindu sentiments, exacerbating communal tensions in Bangladesh. One such figure, Mahmoud al-Hassan Ghanobi, has gained a substantial following and has been accused of inciting violence against Hindus, despite denying any responsibility. His sermons calling for a stricter Islamic rule and targeting Hindus deepen the existing divides within the community. Bonomali and Shokanto highlight how the public often misinterprets these messages, leading to a rise in violence and despair among the Hindu population.
Sahar Zand follows young Hindu activists Banamali and Sukanto, who are documenting the violence they say authorities and media are ignoring. She joins them as they respond to a new attack on a Hindu-majority village, where a mob set fire to a yet another building. The attacks are not just aimed at buildings. Sahar meets victims, including an elderly village doctor recovering from an attempted murder and a grieving mother whose 14-year-old son was killed trying to escape the country. In a tense interview, Sahar confronts Mahmudul Hasan Gunovi, a far-right Islamist leader accused of fueling the violence with his inflammatory rhetoric. She experiences the violence first-hand during a volatile encounter when Banamali and Sukanto visit a sensitive site, where a Hindu crematorium has recently been destroyed, and a make-shift mosque built on its ruins.
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