<p>American newspaper New York Times drew severe online criticism over the headline of a story which appeared to suggest Bangladeshi Hindus were being attacked in 'revenge' for their support of Sheikh Hasina, who quit as prime minister and fled to India earlier this week.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The original headline was 'Hindus in Bangladesh Face Revenge Attacks After Prime Minister's Exit'. It was slammed online, with many pointing out that it implied the Hindus were somehow culprits who deserved to be attacked.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-crisis-interim-gov-led-by-nobel-winner-yunus-to-takes-oath-today-748212">Bangladesh crisis: Interim gov led by Nobel winner Muhammad Yunus to take oath on Thursday</a></p>

<p>Hindus of Bangladesh, who form only 7.5 per cent of the 170 million population, were targets of arson and murder by mobs since Hasina quit as prime minister and fled to neighbouring India on Monday (Aug 5).</p>

<p>Hasina's ouster came at the end of a massive student protest against a controversial plan that reserved high-paying government jobs to relatives of Bangladesh Independence War veterans. An interim government has been formed since Hasina's exit.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus to take oath as head of interim government</strong></p>

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<p>Over this week, some Hindu 300 homes, businesses, nearly 20 temples, and even at least one cremation yard, were attacked, vandalised or burnt down. At least three Hindus including a journalist and some local politicians were reportedly killed, and some 40 others were injured. Anti-Hindu violence was reported from nearly 30 districts and subdivisions.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The home of Rahul Ananda, the frontman of the folk music band Joler Gaan, was set on fire in the capital Dhaka.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladeshi-hindus-their-homes-businesses-temples-targeted-in-continuing-violence-748054">Bangladeshi Hindus, their homes, businesses, temples targeted in continuing violence</a></p>

<p>At least some in the mobs are reportedly supporters of former prime minister Khaleda Zia's Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). Hindus were generally seen as sympathisers&nbsp;of Hasina's Awami League, which kept Islamic extremists at bay and was generally seen as secular. Zia's BNP is allied with hardline Islamist groups like the Jamaat-e-Islami, whose supporters organised and actively participated in the protests and subsequent rioting.</p>

<p>The NYT headline and story, however, appeared to blame the Hindus for their plight. Many X users posted views critical of NYT.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/indian-visa-centres-in-bangladesh-closed-until-further-notice-748231">Indian visa centres in Bangladesh closed until further notice</a></p>

<p>One of them said the use of the word revenge "will send a message that the victims were earlier the perpetrators. Terrible headline."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The use of the word, revenge, however will send a message that the victims were earlier the perpetrators. Terrible headline</p>
— Swati Goel Sharma (@swati_gs) <a href="https://twitter.com/swati_gs/status/1821388353540887034?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 8, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>Another user wrote,&nbsp;"For New York Times, attack on Hindus in Bangladesh is not persecution. It is "revenge". Revenge for what? &nbsp;A "perception" that Hindus supported Sheikh Hasina in elections...This is 1930s Nazi-level stuff from the New York Times".</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">For New York Times, attack on Hindus in Bangladesh is not persecution<br />
<br />
It is "revenge"<br />
<br />
Revenge for what?<br />
<br />
A "perception" that Hindus supported Sheikh Hasina in elections...<br />
<br />
This is 1930s Nazi level stuff from New York Times <a href="https://t.co/Lc8Hce8umn">pic.twitter.com/Lc8Hce8umn</a></p>
— Abhishek (@AbhishBanerj) <a href="https://twitter.com/AbhishBanerj/status/1821404527695986744?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 8, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>"Hindus are being killed for being Hindus, not because of Sheikh Hasina and Awami League alone," wrote yet another X user.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">New York Times finally wakes up to the reality of Hindus being killed in Bangladesh. Yet covers it as ‘revenge attacks’. Hindus are being killed for being Hindus, not because of Sheikh Hasina and Awami League alone. Systematic persecution of Hindus in Bangladesh since years. <a href="https://t.co/nAGsGSeFbI">pic.twitter.com/nAGsGSeFbI</a></p>
— Aditya Raj Kaul (@AdityaRajKaul) <a href="https://twitter.com/AdityaRajKaul/status/1821271385634955493?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 7, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>Accusing the New York Times of justifying the attacks on Hindus, another user wrote,&nbsp;"A narrative is being created that Hindus are culprits, so they deserve this, while those carrying out the attacks are being whitewashed. This is international media for you."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The New York Times justified the attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh by calling them "revenge attacks."<br />
<br />
Now, a narrative is being created that Hindus are culprits, so they deserve this, while those carrying out the attacks are being whitewashed.<br />
<br />
This is international media for you. <a href="https://t.co/F7pLaHomxE">pic.twitter.com/F7pLaHomxE</a></p>
— Anshul Saxena (@AskAnshul) <a href="https://twitter.com/AskAnshul/status/1821408441077731844?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 8, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>After the backlash, NYT changed its headline to: "Hindus in Bangladesh Face Attacks After Prime Minister's Exit," dropping the word 'revenge'.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


American newspaper New York Times drew severe online criticism over the headline of a story which appeared to suggest Bangladeshi Hindus were being attacked in 'revenge' for their support of Sheikh Hasina, who quit as prime minister and fled to India earlier this week.

American newspaper New York Times drew severe online criticism over the headline of a story which appeared to suggest Bangladeshi Hindus were being attacked in 'revenge' for their support of Sheikh Hasina, who quit as prime minister and fled to India earlier this week. The original headline was 'Hindus in Bangladesh Face Revenge Attacks After Prime Minister's Exit'. It was slammed online, with many pointing out that it implied the Hindus were somehow culprits who deserved to be attacked. Also read | Bangladesh crisis: Interim gov led by Nobel winner Muhammad Yunus to take oath on Thursday Hindus of Bangladesh, who form only 7.5 per cent of the 170 million population, were targets of arson and murder by mobs since Hasina quit as prime minister and fled to neighbouring India on Monday (Aug 5). Hasina's ouster came at the end of a massive student protest against a controversial plan that reserved high-paying government jobs to relatives of Bangladesh Independence War veterans. An interim government has been formed since Hasina's exit. Watch: Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus to take oath as head of interim government × Over this week, some Hindu 300 homes, businesses, nearly 20 temples, and even at least one cremation yard, were attacked, vandalised or burnt down. At least three Hindus including a journalist and some local politicians were reportedly killed, and some 40 others were injured. Anti-Hindu violence was reported from nearly 30 districts and subdivisions. The home of Rahul Ananda, the frontman of the folk music band Joler Gaan, was set on fire in the capital Dhaka. WATCH: Bangladeshi Hindus, their homes, businesses, temples targeted in continuing violence At least some in the mobs are reportedly supporters of former prime minister Khaleda Zia's Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). Hindus were generally seen as sympathisers of Hasina's Awami League, which kept Islamic extremists at bay and was generally seen as secular. Zia's BNP is allied with hardline Islamist groups like the Jamaat-e-Islami, whose supporters organised and actively participated in the protests and subsequent rioting. The NYT headline and story, however, appeared to blame the Hindus for their plight. Many X users posted views critical of NYT. Also read: Indian visa centres in Bangladesh closed until further notice One of them said the use of the word revenge "will send a message that the victims were earlier the perpetrators. Terrible headline." The use of the word, revenge, however will send a message that the victims were earlier the perpetrators. Terrible headline — Swati Goel Sharma (@swati_gs) August 8, 2024 × Another user wrote, "For New York Times, attack on Hindus in Bangladesh is not persecution. It is "revenge". Revenge for what? A "perception" that Hindus supported Sheikh Hasina in elections...This is 1930s Nazi-level stuff from the New York Times". For New York Times, attack on Hindus in Bangladesh is not persecution It is "revenge" Revenge for what? A "perception" that Hindus supported Sheikh Hasina in elections... This is 1930s Nazi level stuff from New York Times pic.twitter.com/Lc8Hce8umn — Abhishek (@AbhishBanerj) August 8, 2024 × "Hindus are being killed for being Hindus, not because of Sheikh Hasina and Awami League alone," wrote yet another X user. New York Times finally wakes up to the reality of Hindus being killed in Bangladesh. Yet covers it as ‘revenge attacks’. Hindus are being killed for being Hindus, not because of Sheikh Hasina and Awami League alone. Systematic persecution of Hindus in Bangladesh since years. pic.twitter.com/nAGsGSeFbI — Aditya Raj Kaul (@AdityaRajKaul) August 7, 2024 × Accusing the New York Times of justifying the attacks on Hindus, another user wrote, "A narrative is being created that Hindus are culprits, so they deserve this, while those carrying out the attacks are being whitewashed. This is international media for you." The New York Times justified the attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh by calling them "revenge attacks." Now, a narrative is being created that Hindus are culprits, so they deserve this, while those carrying out the attacks are being whitewashed. This is international media for you. pic.twitter.com/F7pLaHomxE — Anshul Saxena (@AskAnshul) August 8, 2024 × After the backlash, NYT changed its headline to: "Hindus in Bangladesh Face Attacks After Prime Minister's Exit," dropping the word 'revenge'. (With inputs from agencies)

Bangladesh Hindus were attacked in 'revenge', screams New York Times header, changes it after furore

<p>Bangladesh's spiralling violence is targeting its Hindus, with houses, temples and businesses belonging to the minority community that only forms 7.5 per cent of the 170 million population attacked by mobs that went on a rampage since Sheikh Hasina quit as prime minister and fled to neighbouring India earlier this week. The South Asian nation witnessed massive political developments that saw students protesting against a government job quota plan enter the prime minister's palace. An interim government has been formed since Hasina's ouster on Monday.</p>

<p>"The communal atrocities erupted hours before she resigned," Reuters news agency quoted&nbsp;Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council general secretary Rana Dasgupta as saying. "Houses and businesses of minorities, especially Hindus, as well as temples, have been targeted, looted, damaged," he said.</p>

<p>Up to 300 homes, businesses, nearly 20 temples had been vandalised and 40 people were injured in the attacks, as per the organisation.<br />
<br />
<strong><em>Disclaimer: WION cannot independently verify the content posted on social media</em></strong><br />
&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Radical Islamists in Bangladesh are attacking the Hindu minority in their homes.<br />
<br />
They surrounded the house and the family is helpless, trying to protect their children.<br />
<br />
Will the world protest this horror? <a href="https://t.co/SN9GwQDY4i">pic.twitter.com/SN9GwQDY4i</a></p>
— Hananya Naftali (@HananyaNaftali) <a href="https://twitter.com/HananyaNaftali/status/1820865210938196169?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 6, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said on Tuesday: "We are monitoring the situation with regard to the status of minorities."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"There are reports of initiatives by various groups and organisations to ensure their protection and well-being. We welcome that, but will naturally remain deeply concerned till law and order is visibly restored," he said in parliament on Tuesday.</p>

<p>Israeli Ambassador to India Naor Gilon said in a post on X that he was "troubled by reports of atrocities against minoritiies including Hindus" in Bangladesh.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I’m troubled by the reports of atrocities against minorities, including Hindus, and against their temples in Bangaladesh.</p>
— Naor Gilon🎗️ (@NaorGilon) <a href="https://twitter.com/NaorGilon/status/1820829516597522468?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 6, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Rahul Ananda's home burnt down, Hindu journalist killed</strong></h2>

<p>The Daily Star newspaper said in a report that attacks were reported in at least 27 districts during the first hours of the government's ouster.</p>

<p>Among the mobs' targets was the 140-year-old home of&nbsp;Rahul Ananda, the frontman of the folk music band Joler Gaan, which&nbsp;was burnt to the ground on Monday (Aug 5) in capital Dhaka's Dhanmondi. "As soon as they broke down the gate, they started ravaging the house, taking whatever they could find for themselves. They took everything, from furniture and mirrors to valuables. After that, they torched the whole house along with Rahul da's musical instruments," the paper quoted a family source of Rahul as saying.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Tag Those who are saying Minorities are safe in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bangladesh?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Bangladesh</a> 🇧🇩 because fow photo op some Radicals formed human chain 🤮<br />
<br />
Pic : 140 year old house of singer Rahul Ananda burned<br />
<br />
Video : Chattogram District Minority village burned .<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BangladeshViolence?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BangladeshViolence</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BangladeshCrisis?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BangladeshCrisis</a> <a href="https://t.co/Ty6F6Cp3zL">pic.twitter.com/Ty6F6Cp3zL</a></p>
— 卐 Blitz_kreig 卐 (@Tricolour1st) <a href="https://twitter.com/Tricolour1st/status/1821025315201663416?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 7, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>Local journalist Pradip Kumar Bhowmik was attacked and killed in a mob attack on Rayganj Press Club in Sirajganj.</p>

<h2><strong>Temples, homes, cremation ground, families of Hindus attacked</strong></h2>

<p>On the same day, the&nbsp;Dhanuka Manasa Bari temple in Shariatpur was razed to the ground by a crowd that destroyed the idols of Radha-Krishna as well as security cameras. A temple official said the mob went on to attack the homes of Hindus living nearby, but they&nbsp;were saved by the army.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Five other temples, including a Kali temple in Parbatipur, were attacked too. A Hindu cremation ground in&nbsp;Dinajpur was&nbsp;vandalised.</p>

<p>An ISKCON temple in Meherpur in Khulna was set ablaze along with the idols&nbsp;of Lord Jagannath, Baldev, and Subhadra Devi.</p>

<p>Hindu homes, temples or businesses were attacked in&nbsp;Chirirbandar, Birampur, Bochaganj , Patuakhali,&nbsp;Barishal and Bogura. In some of these cases, the calls to attack Hindus were made on loudspeakers, the Daily Star report said.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">BREAKING:<br />
<br />
Hindu villages are still coming under attack by Islamists tonight in Bangladesh.<br />
<br />
This Hindu home was set on fire during an attack against Raozam in the District of Chattogram.<br />
<br />
🇧🇩 <a href="https://t.co/BdUTAT5U1L">pic.twitter.com/BdUTAT5U1L</a></p>
— Visegrád 24 (@visegrad24) <a href="https://twitter.com/visegrad24/status/1820970730361909627?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 6, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Some Hindu local politicians and officials were targeted too. There are unconfirmed reports that two Hindu local councillors have been shot dead.</p>

<p>Among those who faced the brunt of the mobs were&nbsp;Kolapara municipal Mayor Bipul Haldar, whose home and car were set ablaze.</p>

<p>A mob targeted the Indira Gandhi Cultural Centre in Dhaka.</p>

<p>In Hindu-dominated areas of Barishal, mobs were reportedly running around with sharp weapons. "Members of the Hindu community here are in a state of panic as their businesses, shops and homes were attacked," Daily Star quoted&nbsp;Tapan Kumar Chakraborty, secretary of Bogura's Hindu-Bouddha-Christian Oikya Parishad, as saying.</p>

<h2><strong>Khaleda Zia's son appeals for calm</strong></h2>

<p>Tarique Rahman, the son of former PM Khaleda Zia - the arch-rival of Sheikh Hasina&nbsp;released from house arrest by the interim administration-&nbsp;appealed for calm. "I call upon the people of Bangladesh to display restraint and calm in the midst of this transitional moment on our democratic path," he said in a post on X. "It is our duty to protect all Bangladeshis, irrespective of religion and politics, from discriminatory violence, and not to harass any particular community, create division, or seek vengeance."</p>

<h2><strong>Muslims guarding Hindu temples</strong></h2>

<p>A report in &nbsp;Dhaka Tribune, meanwhile, said that in some places, Muslims are guarding Hindu temples to stave off attacking mobs. "Both Muslim and Hindu neighbours are guarding to protect the temple," it quoted a resident at Dhakeshwari National Temple as saying.</p>

<h2><strong>Why are angry mobs targeting Hindus?</strong></h2>

<p>The anger of the mobs, who are mainly supporters of Khaleda Zia's Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), may be targeted at Hindus, because the minority community generally supports&nbsp; Hasina's Awami League party. On the other hand, the alliance led by Zia's BNP&nbsp;has Islamists like the Jamaat-e-Islami, which was among those who actively participated in the protests.</p>

<p>“You people are descendants of the Awami League! This country is in bad shape because of you. You should leave the country,” shouted a mob at some Hindu residents, according to Avirup Sarkar, a Dhaka-based development professional, who spoke to&nbsp;the BBC.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Bangladesh's spiralling violence is targeting its Hindus, with houses, temples and businesses belonging to the minority community that only forms 7.5 per cent of the 170 million population attacked by mobs that went on a rampage since Sheikh Hasina quit as prime minister and fled to neighbouring India earlier this week.

Bangladesh's spiralling violence is targeting its Hindus, with houses, temples and businesses belonging to the minority community that only forms 7.5 per cent of the 170 million population attacked by mobs that went on a rampage since Sheikh Hasina quit as prime minister and fled to neighbouring India earlier this week. The South Asian nation witnessed massive political developments that saw students protesting against a government job quota plan enter the prime minister's palace. An interim government has been formed since Hasina's ouster on Monday. "The communal atrocities erupted hours before she resigned," Reuters news agency quoted Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council general secretary Rana Dasgupta as saying. "Houses and businesses of minorities, especially Hindus, as well as temples, have been targeted, looted, damaged," he said. Up to 300 homes, businesses, nearly 20 temples had been vandalised and 40 people were injured in the attacks, as per the organisation. Disclaimer: WION cannot independently verify the content posted on social media Radical Islamists in Bangladesh are attacking the Hindu minority in their homes. They surrounded the house and the family is helpless, trying to protect their children. Will the world protest this horror? pic.twitter.com/SN9GwQDY4i — Hananya Naftali (@HananyaNaftali) August 6, 2024 × India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said on Tuesday: "We are monitoring the situation with regard to the status of minorities." "There are reports of initiatives by various groups and organisations to ensure their protection and well-being. We welcome that, but will naturally remain deeply concerned till law and order is visibly restored," he said in parliament on Tuesday. Israeli Ambassador to India Naor Gilon said in a post on X that he was "troubled by reports of atrocities against minoritiies including Hindus" in Bangladesh. I’m troubled by the reports of atrocities against minorities, including Hindus, and against their temples in Bangaladesh. — Naor Gilon🎗️ (@NaorGilon) August 6, 2024 × Rahul Ananda's home burnt down, Hindu journalist killed The Daily Star newspaper said in a report that attacks were reported in at least 27 districts during the first hours of the government's ouster. Among the mobs' targets was the 140-year-old home of Rahul Ananda, the frontman of the folk music band Joler Gaan, which was burnt to the ground on Monday (Aug 5) in capital Dhaka's Dhanmondi. "As soon as they broke down the gate, they started ravaging the house, taking whatever they could find for themselves. They took everything, from furniture and mirrors to valuables. After that, they torched the whole house along with Rahul da's musical instruments," the paper quoted a family source of Rahul as saying. Tag Those who are saying Minorities are safe in #Bangladesh 🇧🇩 because fow photo op some Radicals formed human chain 🤮 Pic : 140 year old house of singer Rahul Ananda burned Video : Chattogram District Minority village burned .#BangladeshViolence#BangladeshCrisis pic.twitter.com/Ty6F6Cp3zL — 卐 Blitz_kreig 卐 (@Tricolour1st) August 7, 2024 × Local journalist Pradip Kumar Bhowmik was attacked and killed in a mob attack on Rayganj Press Club in Sirajganj. Temples, homes, cremation ground, families of Hindus attacked On the same day, the Dhanuka Manasa Bari temple in Shariatpur was razed to the ground by a crowd that destroyed the idols of Radha-Krishna as well as security cameras. A temple official said the mob went on to attack the homes of Hindus living nearby, but they were saved by the army. Five other temples, including a Kali temple in Parbatipur, were attacked too. A Hindu cremation ground in Dinajpur was vandalised. An ISKCON temple in Meherpur in Khulna was set ablaze along with the idols of Lord Jagannath, Baldev, and Subhadra Devi. Hindu homes, temples or businesses were attacked in Chirirbandar, Birampur, Bochaganj , Patuakhali, Barishal and Bogura. In some of these cases, the calls to attack Hindus were made on loudspeakers, the Daily Star report said. BREAKING: Hindu villages are still coming under attack by Islamists tonight in Bangladesh. This Hindu home was set on fire during an attack against Raozam in the District of Chattogram. 🇧🇩 pic.twitter.com/BdUTAT5U1L — Visegrád 24 (@visegrad24) August 6, 2024 × Some Hindu local politicians and officials were targeted too. There are unconfirmed reports that two Hindu local councillors have been shot dead. Among those who faced the brunt of the mobs were Kolapara municipal Mayor Bipul Haldar, whose home and car were set ablaze. A mob targeted the Indira Gandhi Cultural Centre in Dhaka. In Hindu-dominated areas of Barishal, mobs were reportedly running around with sharp weapons. "Members of the Hindu community here are in a state of panic as their businesses, shops and homes were attacked," Daily Star quoted Tapan Kumar Chakraborty, secretary of Bogura's Hindu-Bouddha-Christian Oikya Parishad, as saying. Khaleda Zia's son appeals for calm Tarique Rahman, the son of former PM Khaleda Zia - the arch-rival of Sheikh Hasina released from house arrest by the interim administration- appealed for calm. "I call upon the people of Bangladesh to display restraint and calm in the midst of this transitional moment on our democratic path," he said in a post on X. "It is our duty to protect all Bangladeshis, irrespective of religion and politics, from discriminatory violence, and not to harass any particular community, create division, or seek vengeance." Muslims guarding Hindu temples A report in Dhaka Tribune, meanwhile, said that in some places, Muslims are guarding Hindu temples to stave off attacking mobs. "Both Muslim and Hindu neighbours are guarding to protect the temple," it quoted a resident at Dhakeshwari National Temple as saying. Why are angry mobs targeting Hindus? The anger of the mobs, who are mainly supporters of Khaleda Zia's Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), may be targeted at Hindus, because the minority community generally supports Hasina's Awami League party. On the other hand, the alliance led by Zia's BNP has Islamists like the Jamaat-e-Islami, which was among those who actively participated in the protests. “You people are descendants of the Awami League! This country is in bad shape because of you. You should leave the country,” shouted a mob at some Hindu residents, according to Avirup Sarkar, a Dhaka-based development professional, who spoke to the BBC. (With inputs from agencies)

Bangladeshi Hindus, their homes, businesses, temples targeted in continuing violence: WATCH

<p>Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is facing online criticism after appearing to cry during a visit to a metro station damaged in recent anti-quota protests by student. She is being accused of shedding crocodile tears for shattered glass and other destruction caused by the protest, and not for scores of students who died when her security forces used excessive force to quell the agitation. At least&nbsp;150 people died in the protests, according to reports.</p>

<h2><strong>Why did Bangladesh PM Sheik Hasina cry?</strong></h2>

<p>PM Hasina appeared to cry and wipe her tears with tissue paper when visiting the metro station in Mirpur on Thursday (July 25).</p>

<p>A traffic control facility and ticket machines at the station were damaged in the protests, led mainly by students who are protesting quotas in high-paying government jobs.&nbsp;Protesters had gone on a rampage at some metro stations after services were suspended on 18 July.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/india-stuns-china-in-bangladesh-wins-right-to-operate-terminal-of-mongla-port-743490">India stuns China in Bangladesh, wins rights to operate terminal of Mongla port</a></strong></p>

<p>"What kind of mentality leads them to destroy facilities that make people's lives easier? I cannot accept the destruction of this transport facility made with modern technology," Hasina was quoted as saying in the Bangladeshi newspaper The Business Standard.</p>

<p>"The countrymen must stand against those who destroyed the development by the government and judge the perpetrators themselves," she said.</p>

<h2><strong>How did the internet react to Hasina wiping tears?</strong></h2>

<p>The BBC quoted journalist Zulkarnian Saer as saying that while Hasina had time to visit the train station, she did not visit families of students who were shot dead.<br />
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His comments came even as videos were posted on the social platform X, including one appearing to show a mother crying over the dead body of her son in a hospital bed, who was reportedly clubbed to death by security forces.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Bangladesh: From economic tiger to wounded nation</strong></p>

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<p>"Bangladesh's PM #SheikhHasina crying "crocodile tears" while visiting &nbsp;a metro train station that was destroyed during anti-government protests," journalist Salman Ali Awan wrote on X, along with hashtags #Crocodiletears and #DictatorHasina. "At leat 150 people have been killed as a result brutal crack down by #AwamiLeague govt [sic]," he wrote.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Crocodiletears?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Crocodiletears</a><br />
Bangladesh's PM <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SheikhHasina?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SheikhHasina</a> crying "crocodile tears" while visiting a metro train station that was destroyed during anti-government protests.<br />
At leat 150 people have been killed as a result brutal crack down by <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AwamiLeague?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AwamiLeague</a> govt.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DictatorHasina?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DictatorHasina</a> <a href="https://t.co/0VragjyIxo">pic.twitter.com/0VragjyIxo</a></p>
— Salman Ali Awan (@salmanaliawan) <a href="https://twitter.com/salmanaliawan/status/1816747486016385240?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 26, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<h2><strong>What are the Bangladesh protests about?</strong></h2>

<p>The protests were led by college students earlier this month against reservation in government jobs. The main bone of contention was a 30 per cent quota in top public jobs for relatives of those who took part in Bangladesh's independence struggle from Pakistan in 1971.</p>

<p>On July 21, the Supreme Court of Bangladesh set aside most of the quotas and ruled that 93 per cent of jobs be filled on merit.</p>

<p>The protests have since subsided but some students are demanding justice for those killed, and release of their leaders, for which they vowed to continue the agitation.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is facing online criticism after appearing to cry during a visit to a metro station damaged in recent anti-quota protests by student.

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is facing online criticism after appearing to cry during a visit to a metro station damaged in recent anti-quota protests by student. She is being accused of shedding crocodile tears for shattered glass and other destruction caused by the protest, and not for scores of students who died when her security forces used excessive force to quell the agitation. At least 150 people died in the protests, according to reports. Why did Bangladesh PM Sheik Hasina cry? PM Hasina appeared to cry and wipe her tears with tissue paper when visiting the metro station in Mirpur on Thursday (July 25). A traffic control facility and ticket machines at the station were damaged in the protests, led mainly by students who are protesting quotas in high-paying government jobs. Protesters had gone on a rampage at some metro stations after services were suspended on 18 July. Also read | India stuns China in Bangladesh, wins rights to operate terminal of Mongla port "What kind of mentality leads them to destroy facilities that make people's lives easier? I cannot accept the destruction of this transport facility made with modern technology," Hasina was quoted as saying in the Bangladeshi newspaper The Business Standard. "The countrymen must stand against those who destroyed the development by the government and judge the perpetrators themselves," she said. How did the internet react to Hasina wiping tears? The BBC quoted journalist Zulkarnian Saer as saying that while Hasina had time to visit the train station, she did not visit families of students who were shot dead. His comments came even as videos were posted on the social platform X, including one appearing to show a mother crying over the dead body of her son in a hospital bed, who was reportedly clubbed to death by security forces. Also watch | Bangladesh: From economic tiger to wounded nation × "Bangladesh's PM #SheikhHasina crying "crocodile tears" while visiting a metro train station that was destroyed during anti-government protests," journalist Salman Ali Awan wrote on X, along with hashtags #Crocodiletears and #DictatorHasina. "At leat 150 people have been killed as a result brutal crack down by #AwamiLeague govt [sic]," he wrote. #Crocodiletears Bangladesh's PM #SheikhHasina crying "crocodile tears" while visiting a metro train station that was destroyed during anti-government protests. At leat 150 people have been killed as a result brutal crack down by #AwamiLeague govt.#DictatorHasina pic.twitter.com/0VragjyIxo — Salman Ali Awan (@salmanaliawan) July 26, 2024 × What are the Bangladesh protests about? The protests were led by college students earlier this month against reservation in government jobs. The main bone of contention was a 30 per cent quota in top public jobs for relatives of those who took part in Bangladesh's independence struggle from Pakistan in 1971. On July 21, the Supreme Court of Bangladesh set aside most of the quotas and ruled that 93 per cent of jobs be filled on merit. The protests have since subsided but some students are demanding justice for those killed, and release of their leaders, for which they vowed to continue the agitation. (With inputs from agencies)

'Crocodile tears': Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina 'cries' at metro station damaged in protest, slammed online

<p>As per a report by private broadcaster Independent Television, at least 104 police officers and 30 journalists suffered injuries in Bangladesh after&nbsp;clashes broke out all over the country.</p>

<p>The network reported that 702 individuals were hurt in the confrontations between police and student protesters,&nbsp;which occurred in 26 of the nation's 64 districts, on Thursday (Jul 18).</p>

<p>Protesters also set fire to multiple government buildings and vehicles on the streets, according to the police.</p>

<p>The statement, released after a nationwide internet shutdown late Thursday, said,&nbsp;“The miscreants have already torched, vandalized and carried out destructive activities,” on the offices of state broadcaster BTV and the national disaster management agency along with “various” police and government buildings.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The shutdown, which cut off Bangladesh's communication with the outside world, was followed by the statement.</p>

<p>Police mentioned, “So far, we have shown maximum restraint,” but warned that if the destructive activities persisted, they would “be forced to make maximum use of the law.”</p>

<p>This week’s clashes, ignited by student protests over civil service hiring rules, have resulted in 39 deaths, with 32 occurring on Thursday, the deadliest day of unrest so far.</p>

<p>Private broadcaster Independent Television reported that 702 people were injured in Thursday’s clashes, including 104 police officers and 30 journalists.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bella-hadid-became-face-of-adidas-retro-1972-olympic-sneakers-israel-calls-it-egregious-error-742272">Bella Hadid becomes face of Adidas retro 1972 Olympic sneakers, Israel calls it 'egregious error’</a></strong></p>

<p>On Friday, Reuters witnesses in Dhaka and New Delhi observed that telecommunications remained largely disrupted nationwide.</p>

<p>According to reports, calls from other countries&nbsp;failed&nbsp;to connect, and internet-based calls could not be completed.</p>

<p>On Friday morning, the websites of newspapers in Bangladesh were not updated, and their social media accounts were also not active.</p>

<p>This is the biggest demonstration in Bangladesh since Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was re-elected in 2024. The nationwide protests are due to high youth unemployment rates.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


As per a report by private broadcaster Independent Television, at least 104 police officers and 30 journalists suffered injuries in Bangladesh after clashes broke out all over the country.

As per a report by private broadcaster Independent Television, at least 104 police officers and 30 journalists suffered injuries in Bangladesh after clashes broke out all over the country. The network reported that 702 individuals were hurt in the confrontations between police and student protesters, which occurred in 26 of the nation's 64 districts, on Thursday (Jul 18). Protesters also set fire to multiple government buildings and vehicles on the streets, according to the police. The statement, released after a nationwide internet shutdown late Thursday, said, “The miscreants have already torched, vandalized and carried out destructive activities,” on the offices of state broadcaster BTV and the national disaster management agency along with “various” police and government buildings. The shutdown, which cut off Bangladesh's communication with the outside world, was followed by the statement. Police mentioned, “So far, we have shown maximum restraint,” but warned that if the destructive activities persisted, they would “be forced to make maximum use of the law.” This week’s clashes, ignited by student protests over civil service hiring rules, have resulted in 39 deaths, with 32 occurring on Thursday, the deadliest day of unrest so far. Private broadcaster Independent Television reported that 702 people were injured in Thursday’s clashes, including 104 police officers and 30 journalists. Also read: Bella Hadid becomes face of Adidas retro 1972 Olympic sneakers, Israel calls it 'egregious error’ On Friday, Reuters witnesses in Dhaka and New Delhi observed that telecommunications remained largely disrupted nationwide. According to reports, calls from other countries failed to connect, and internet-based calls could not be completed. On Friday morning, the websites of newspapers in Bangladesh were not updated, and their social media accounts were also not active. This is the biggest demonstration in Bangladesh since Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was re-elected in 2024. The nationwide protests are due to high youth unemployment rates. (With inputs from agencies)

Bangladesh on high alert: 134 police and journalists injured in escalating protests