Violence Erupts in Bangladesh: Hindu Councillor Killed, Temples Attacked Amid Anti-Government Protests

Amidst widespread anti-government protests in Bangladesh, Haradhan Roy Hara, a Hindu councillor from Rangpur City Corporation, was among the 100 people killed on a particularly violent Sunday. Reports indicate that the unrest, demanding Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s resignation, targeted Hindu communities, with several ISKCON and Kali temples vandalized. Many devotees sought refuge as the violence escalated.

The chaos extended beyond religious sites, with protesters setting fire to a shopping center in Dhaka. The government responded with a curfew starting at 6 PM on Sunday and announced a three-day closure of all establishments, excluding essential services like hospitals and utilities. The overall death toll has reached at least 300, with ongoing clashes reported.

As tensions remain high, heavy security forces have been deployed in Dhaka, patrolling key areas and blocking access to the Prime Minister’s office. The situation has prompted India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to advise Indian nationals against traveling to Bangladesh and to caution those already in the country to limit their movements and stay in contact with the Indian High Commission.

The violence marks one of the deadliest days since the demonstrations began, with protests expected to continue. The international community watches closely as Bangladesh grapples with its most severe political crisis in recent years.