Bangladesh’s Law and Order Situation

• Violent protests and clashes following the arrest of Chinmoy Das, a Hindu monk and leader of a minority rights group, highlight the precarious state of law and order in Bangladesh.

• The protests demand the safety of 20-million religious minorities, including Hindus, Christians, and Buddhists, who have been targeted by Islamist majoritarian mobs.

• At least nine minority members have been killed in over 2,000 documented acts of violence, primarily targeting supporters of Ms. Hasina’s Awami League party.

• Das’ demands include speedy trials for minority persecution cases, a minority protection law, a minority affairs ministry, and ve-day public holidays for Durga Puja.

• The government has not responded to these protests, indicating a potential crackdown on lawful and peaceful protests.

• The case against Das pertains to a group of Hindus raising saron ags, allegedly holding them higher than the Bangladesh national ag.

• The actions and a move to ban the ISKCON group are fueling criticism of the Yunus government.

• New Delhi has consistently asked Bangladesh to protect its minorities, but due to tense ties with the Yunus regime, these calls have not made much headway.

• To ensure minorities feel more secure in Bangladesh, New Delhi must reopen bilateral channels of communication and ensure protections and freedoms for all citizens.