<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><strong>Bangladesh student protests: </strong>Sheikh Hasina resigned as Bangladesh prime minister and left the country on Monday (Aug 5) after weeks of student protests that culminated in a mob of youth storming her official residence. The Army Chief General&nbsp;Waker-Uz-Zaman said in a press conference that an interim government will be formed soon, putting an end to two decades of rule by Hasina.</p>

<p>"Let's work towards a better future.&nbsp;I met the leaders of all political parties. We had a healthy discussion. We would form an interim government. PM has stepped down," Gen Waker said at the press conference. He assured that each of the hundreds of deaths in the three weeks of student protests and rioting would be investigated.</p>

<p>"Every killing will be probed. Please have patience, give us some time."</p>

<p>The Army has played a crucial role in Bangladesh's vengeance-filled&nbsp;politics, including through some bloody coups, dictatorships, and killings.</p>

<p>Will Waker stay on top for long, or give way to an interim government, followed by an orderly and peaceful election?<br />
<br />
The army led by Gen Waker, who has had a military career of more than three and half decades, was blamed for the brutal crackdown on student protests that led to at least 100 deaths in the last few days. The students were protesting against a move to give reservation for high-paying government jobs to relatives of those who took part in Bangladesh's war of independence from Pakistan.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-unrest-sheikh-hasina-steps-down-as-pm-leaves-country-747301">Bangladesh unrest: Sheikh Hasina resigns as PM; army chief says interim govt to be formed soon</a></p>

<p>Here is what you should know about the current Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman.</p>

<h2><strong>Who is Bangladesh Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman?</strong></h2>

<p>General Waker-Uz-Zaman has been put into spotlight soon after he became the military head, having taken charge as Chief of Army Staff&nbsp;only on 23 June this year.</p>

<p>&nbsp;Born on 16 September 1966 in east Pakistan which later became Bangladesh,&nbsp;Waker studied at Bangladesh Military Academy. He first joined the Corps of Infantry on 20 December 1985, according to a profile of&nbsp;him on the Bangladesh Army website.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He went on to command the only Independent Infantry Brigade of the country, as well as an Infantry Division.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Before becoming military chief, Gen Waker served as the Chief of General Staff of Bangladesh Army, as well as Military Secretary and Principal Staff Officer&nbsp;to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As the Chief of General Staff of the army, he was responsible for military operations, military intelligence, UN peacekeeping affairs and&nbsp;budget of the army, according to the official profile.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina resigns, flees country as protesters storm palace</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/bangladesh-pm-sheikh-hasina-resigns-flees-country-as-protesters-storm-palace-747382/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>As Principal Staff Officer, he also took the role of chairman of Bangladesh National Authority for Chemical Weapons Convention.</p>

<p>Gen Waker was involved with the United Nations Peacekeeping missions, to which Bangladesh Armed Forces is a key contributor of personnel.</p>

<p>As part of UN Peacekeeping forces, Gen Waker did two tours of duty as an observer and staff of the Blue Helments in Angola and Liberia.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He is the recipient of ‘Extraordinary Service Medal’ and ‘Army Medal of Glory’ for contributions in the modernisation of the army.&nbsp;</p>

<p>General Waker holds a master's degree in Defence Studies from National University of Bangladesh and Master of Arts in Defence Studies from King’s College, University of London.</p>

<p><em>(with inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Bangladesh student protests: Sheikh Hasina resigned as Bangladesh prime minister and left the country on Monday (Aug 5) after weeks of student protests that culminated in a mob of youth storming her official residence.

Bangladesh student protests: Sheikh Hasina resigned as Bangladesh prime minister and left the country on Monday (Aug 5) after weeks of student protests that culminated in a mob of youth storming her official residence. The Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman said in a press conference that an interim government will be formed soon, putting an end to two decades of rule by Hasina. "Let's work towards a better future. I met the leaders of all political parties. We had a healthy discussion. We would form an interim government. PM has stepped down," Gen Waker said at the press conference. He assured that each of the hundreds of deaths in the three weeks of student protests and rioting would be investigated. "Every killing will be probed. Please have patience, give us some time." The Army has played a crucial role in Bangladesh's vengeance-filled politics, including through some bloody coups, dictatorships, and killings. Will Waker stay on top for long, or give way to an interim government, followed by an orderly and peaceful election? The army led by Gen Waker, who has had a military career of more than three and half decades, was blamed for the brutal crackdown on student protests that led to at least 100 deaths in the last few days. The students were protesting against a move to give reservation for high-paying government jobs to relatives of those who took part in Bangladesh's war of independence from Pakistan. Also Read: Bangladesh unrest: Sheikh Hasina resigns as PM; army chief says interim govt to be formed soon Here is what you should know about the current Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman. Who is Bangladesh Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman? General Waker-Uz-Zaman has been put into spotlight soon after he became the military head, having taken charge as Chief of Army Staff only on 23 June this year. Born on 16 September 1966 in east Pakistan which later became Bangladesh, Waker studied at Bangladesh Military Academy. He first joined the Corps of Infantry on 20 December 1985, according to a profile of him on the Bangladesh Army website. He went on to command the only Independent Infantry Brigade of the country, as well as an Infantry Division. Before becoming military chief, Gen Waker served as the Chief of General Staff of Bangladesh Army, as well as Military Secretary and Principal Staff Officer to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. As the Chief of General Staff of the army, he was responsible for military operations, military intelligence, UN peacekeeping affairs and budget of the army, according to the official profile. Watch: Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina resigns, flees country as protesters storm palace As Principal Staff Officer, he also took the role of chairman of Bangladesh National Authority for Chemical Weapons Convention. Gen Waker was involved with the United Nations Peacekeeping missions, to which Bangladesh Armed Forces is a key contributor of personnel. As part of UN Peacekeeping forces, Gen Waker did two tours of duty as an observer and staff of the Blue Helments in Angola and Liberia. He is the recipient of ‘Extraordinary Service Medal’ and ‘Army Medal of Glory’ for contributions in the modernisation of the army. General Waker holds a master's degree in Defence Studies from National University of Bangladesh and Master of Arts in Defence Studies from King’s College, University of London. (with inputs from agencies)

Bangladesh student protests: Who is Gen Waker-Uz-Zaman, army chief in charge as PM Sheikh Hasina quits?

<p>The total number of arrests made in days of violence in Bangladesh during the protests over employment quotas&nbsp;crossed 1,200 on Tuesday (July 22), according to an AFP tally of detentions.</p>

<p>At least 173 people have died, including several police officers, according to a separate AFP count of victims reported by police and hospitals.</p>

<p>According to senior police officials 68 had been arrested in the industrial city of Gazipur, 75 in the northern city of Rangpur, and 60 in Barisal in the south.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-supreme-court-scales-back-job-quotas-that-sparked-deadly-protests-742788">Bangladesh Supreme Court scales back job quotas that sparked deadly protests</a></p>

<p>In the rural and industrial part of Dhaka 80 people were arrested, on top of an earlier figure of at least 532 for the capital itself, taking the&nbsp;total to 1,195.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Notably, Bangladesh's Supreme Court on Sunday (July 21) scaled back -- but did not abolish -– a controversial quota system for civil service job applicants after the scheme's reintroduction last month precipitated deadly nationwide civil strife.</p>

<p>Nationwide unrest broke out in Bangladesh following student anger against quotas in government jobs that included reserving 30 per cent for the families of those who fought for independence from Pakistan.</p>

<p>Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's government had scrapped the quota system in 2018, but a court reinstated it last month.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/how-pm-hasinas-razakar-barb-became-catchword-of-bangladesh-protests-heres-what-it-means-742602" target="_blank">How PM Hasina's 'razakar' barb became catchword of Bangladesh protests; here's what it means</a></strong></p>

<p>The demonstrations - the biggest since Hasina was re-elected for a fourth successive term this year - have also been fuelled by high unemployment among young people.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The total number of arrests made in days of violence in Bangladesh during the protests over employment quotas crossed 1,200 on Tuesday (July 22), according to an AFP tally of detentions.

The total number of arrests made in days of violence in Bangladesh during the protests over employment quotas crossed 1,200 on Tuesday (July 22), according to an AFP tally of detentions. At least 173 people have died, including several police officers, according to a separate AFP count of victims reported by police and hospitals. According to senior police officials 68 had been arrested in the industrial city of Gazipur, 75 in the northern city of Rangpur, and 60 in Barisal in the south. Also read: Bangladesh Supreme Court scales back job quotas that sparked deadly protests In the rural and industrial part of Dhaka 80 people were arrested, on top of an earlier figure of at least 532 for the capital itself, taking the total to 1,195. Notably, Bangladesh's Supreme Court on Sunday (July 21) scaled back -- but did not abolish -– a controversial quota system for civil service job applicants after the scheme's reintroduction last month precipitated deadly nationwide civil strife. Nationwide unrest broke out in Bangladesh following student anger against quotas in government jobs that included reserving 30 per cent for the families of those who fought for independence from Pakistan. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's government had scrapped the quota system in 2018, but a court reinstated it last month. Also read | How PM Hasina's 'razakar' barb became catchword of Bangladesh protests; here's what it means The demonstrations - the biggest since Hasina was re-elected for a fourth successive term this year - have also been fuelled by high unemployment among young people. (With inputs from agencies)

Total arrests in Bangladesh rise to over 1200: Reports

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="3">Following a series of anti-Hindu riots in Bangladesh, the government of Bangladesh has increased security around Hindu temples.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
Md Shafiqul Islam, the commissioner of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police, issued an order on Tuesday ordering the law enforcement agency to beef up security at temples and other places of worship in the city to prevent more communal violence.</p>

<p>On Sunday, the decision was given during a meeting at the Police Headquarters to review recent anti-Hindu incidents around the country.</p>

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="5">In the violence unleashed by hardline Islamist mobs across Bangladesh, dozens of temples and Puja pandals were damaged and desecrated.</p>

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="6">The bloodshed began with the alleged sacrilege of the Holy Quran during a puja pandal.</p>

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="7">However, authorities eventually discovered that the Holy Quran was put in the pandal by a Muslim man, indicating that the wave of violence against Hindus was orchestrated.</p>

<p>"To prevent such events in Dhaka, we need to be more active, attentive, and increase our investigative watch [on temples]," Shafiqul added.</p>

<p>According to the commissioner, police presence has been enhanced at prominent puja locations to maintain security, and the cyber crime section has been directed to monitor social media for controversial information.</p>

<p>The zonal DCs, according to Shafiqul, would express sympathy with all those opposing the breakdown of communal peace across the nation.&nbsp;</p>

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="9">According to estimates from a Deutsche Welle article quoting Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK), a Bangladeshi human rights organisation that tracks attacks on minority populations, approximately 3,600 attacks targeting Hindus have occurred in Bangladesh since 2013.</p>

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="10">However, according to the Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council (BHBCUC), the real number of attacks might be significantly greater than the ASK's estimate.</p>

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="11">According to the survey, Hindus have been targeted for vandalism and arson in over 550 homes and 440 stores and enterprises during the last eight years.&nbsp;</p>

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="12">The violence against Bangladesh's Hindu minority is a troubling reflection of Islamist parties' continued influence in the nation, which has undermined the country's secular consensus since its founding 50 years ago.&nbsp;</p>

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="13"><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Following a series of anti-Hindu riots in Bangladesh, the government of Bangladesh has increased security around Hindu temples. Md Shafiqul Islam, the commissioner of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police, issued an order on Tuesday ordering the law enforcement agency to beef up security at temples and other places of worship in the city to prevent more communal violence.

Following a series of anti-Hindu riots in Bangladesh, the government of Bangladesh has increased security around Hindu temples. Md Shafiqul Islam, the commissioner of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police, issued an order on Tuesday ordering the law enforcement agency to beef up security at temples and other places of worship in the city to prevent more communal violence. On Sunday, the decision was given during a meeting at the Police Headquarters to review recent anti-Hindu incidents around the country. In the violence unleashed by hardline Islamist mobs across Bangladesh, dozens of temples and Puja pandals were damaged and desecrated. The bloodshed began with the alleged sacrilege of the Holy Quran during a puja pandal. However, authorities eventually discovered that the Holy Quran was put in the pandal by a Muslim man, indicating that the wave of violence against Hindus was orchestrated. "To prevent such events in Dhaka, we need to be more active, attentive, and increase our investigative watch [on temples]," Shafiqul added. According to the commissioner, police presence has been enhanced at prominent puja locations to maintain security, and the cyber crime section has been directed to monitor social media for controversial information. The zonal DCs, according to Shafiqul, would express sympathy with all those opposing the breakdown of communal peace across the nation. According to estimates from a Deutsche Welle article quoting Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK), a Bangladeshi human rights organisation that tracks attacks on minority populations, approximately 3,600 attacks targeting Hindus have occurred in Bangladesh since 2013. However, according to the Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council (BHBCUC), the real number of attacks might be significantly greater than the ASK's estimate. According to the survey, Hindus have been targeted for vandalism and arson in over 550 homes and 440 stores and enterprises during the last eight years. The violence against Bangladesh's Hindu minority is a troubling reflection of Islamist parties' continued influence in the nation, which has undermined the country's secular consensus since its founding 50 years ago. (With inputs from agencies)

Bangladesh anti-Hindu riots: Sheikh Hasina government increases security around Dhaka temples

<p>The Bangladesh Police has detained a man on Thursday for placing a copy of the Quran at a Durga Puja pandal in Bangladesh on October 13, according to the Dhaka Tribune.</p>

<p>Iqbal Hossain, who had been on the run, was apprehended in Cox's Bazar's Sugandha seashore region.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Accused Iqbal Hossain has been identified as the main suspect who placed a copy of the Quran at Nanua Dighir Par puja mandap on October 13 that led to communal violence in Bangladesh's Comilla, according to the Dhaka Tribune, citing a statement by Comilla Superintendent of Police (SP) Faruk Ahmed.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/islam-is-not-our-state-religion-will-revert-to-1972-constitution-bangladesh-minister-after-attack-on-hindus-421645"><strong>Also read | Islam is not our state religion, will revert to 1972 constitution: Bangladesh Minister after attack on Hindus</strong></a></p>

<p>He was apprehended late Thursday and quickly deported to Cumilla.</p>

<p>Bangladesh Police had identified the now-arrested primary suspect using CCTV video earlier on Wednesday.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">CCTV ftg released by <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bangladesh?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Bangladesh</a> police, claimed to have captured the man who allegedly had placed the Holy Quran at the feet of an idol leading to communal riots in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Cumilla?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Cumilla</a>.The man as claimed by police, identified as Iqbal Hossain, a Muslim. Top police source hints a conspiracy <a href="https://t.co/XZHoxeZ8RZ">pic.twitter.com/XZHoxeZ8RZ</a></p>
— Tamal Saha (@Tamal0401) <a href="https://twitter.com/Tamal0401/status/1451023119334854660?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 21, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>Iqbal was caught on CCTV footage taking the Quran from a mosque and walking to the Puja location.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Hossain, 35, of Comilla's Suhanagar neighbourhood, is accused of placing the Holy Quran at one of the Durga Puja pandals on October 13, resulting in rioting that killed at least three people.<br />
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<strong>Watch | Gravitas: Man who triggered Bangladesh riots arrested</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-man-who-triggered-bangladesh-riots-arrested-422787/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>After analysing hours of video footage from CCTV cameras deployed at Durga Puja locations, the guy was identified.</p>

<p>In the video, Hossain can be seen stealing the Quran from a nearby mosque and visiting a Durga Puja venue.</p>

<p>Later, he was spotted going away with a club that had been seized from a Lord Hanuman statue.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The Bangladesh Police has detained a man on Thursday for placing a copy of the Quran at a Durga Puja pandal in Bangladesh on October 13, according to the Dhaka Tribune.

The Bangladesh Police has detained a man on Thursday for placing a copy of the Quran at a Durga Puja pandal in Bangladesh on October 13, according to the Dhaka Tribune. Iqbal Hossain, who had been on the run, was apprehended in Cox's Bazar's Sugandha seashore region. Accused Iqbal Hossain has been identified as the main suspect who placed a copy of the Quran at Nanua Dighir Par puja mandap on October 13 that led to communal violence in Bangladesh's Comilla, according to the Dhaka Tribune, citing a statement by Comilla Superintendent of Police (SP) Faruk Ahmed. Also read | Islam is not our state religion, will revert to 1972 constitution: Bangladesh Minister after attack on Hindus He was apprehended late Thursday and quickly deported to Cumilla. Bangladesh Police had identified the now-arrested primary suspect using CCTV video earlier on Wednesday. CCTV ftg released by #Bangladesh police, claimed to have captured the man who allegedly had placed the Holy Quran at the feet of an idol leading to communal riots in #Cumilla.The man as claimed by police, identified as Iqbal Hossain, a Muslim. Top police source hints a conspiracy pic.twitter.com/XZHoxeZ8RZ — Tamal Saha (@Tamal0401) October 21, 2021 × Iqbal was caught on CCTV footage taking the Quran from a mosque and walking to the Puja location. Hossain, 35, of Comilla's Suhanagar neighbourhood, is accused of placing the Holy Quran at one of the Durga Puja pandals on October 13, resulting in rioting that killed at least three people. Watch | Gravitas: Man who triggered Bangladesh riots arrested After analysing hours of video footage from CCTV cameras deployed at Durga Puja locations, the guy was identified. In the video, Hossain can be seen stealing the Quran from a nearby mosque and visiting a Durga Puja venue. Later, he was spotted going away with a club that had been seized from a Lord Hanuman statue. (With inputs from agencies)