Dhaka: After hundreds of Hindus were killed in the movement against the then Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in Bangladesh, once again there is a fear of genocide of Hindus in the country. Since former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina fled to India, extremists have become dominant in Bangladesh. As the festival of Durga Puja in Navratri next month approaches, there is a fear that extremists may target places of worship and Hindus during the Hindu festival. Therefore, the interim Mohammad Yunus government has come into alert mode. He has ordered strict action to stop communal violence in the country on Sunday.
Information, documents, evidence are being collected from across the country for mass murder-crime against humanity: Tajum Islam
The interim government of Bangladesh has issued a warning to violent elements amid apprehensions of communal violence during the Durga Puja festival to be held between October 9 and 13. While Hindus in Bangladesh are living in fear after the departure of Sheikh Hasina, Advisor on Religious Affairs Dr. AFM Khalid Hussain visited the Premtali Gaurang Bari Kalimandir in Godagari of Rajshahi district.
He said, “Anyone who damages places of worship or tries to spread communal violence will not be spared. We will crack down on such elements by making strict laws.”
Khalid Hussain called upon the people of the Hindu community to celebrate their festivals with full enthusiasm and gaiety and said that Hindu temples will not be allowed to be harmed. If you are afraid of attacks on temples, rest assured that no culprit will be spared.
Meanwhile, the interim government has increased pressure on India to send back former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Senior lawyer of Bangladesh International Crimes Tribunal Mohammad Tajum Islam said on Sunday that necessary steps are being taken for the extradition of former PM Sheikh Hasina from India. Cases of mass killings during the student-led mass movement against Sheikh Hasina's government will be heard.
He said cases of mass murder and crimes against humanity will be filed against Sheikh Hasina. When the tribunal resumes its work, arrest warrants will be issued against all fugitive criminals, including Sheikh Hasina, in connection with the cases filed for mass murder and crimes against humanity.
He said that at present information, documents and evidence are being collected against the accused from all over the country. The tribunal will review these evidence and information, which is a very challenging task. According to the interim government, more than 1,000 people were killed and hundreds were injured during the protests against the Sheikh Hasina-led government.