A prominent Bangladeshi Hindu leader advocating for security for Hindus in the predominantly Muslim nation has been ordered detained on charges of sedition. The magistrate court denied bail to the leader and ordered his detention pending further proceedings. Supporters of the Hindu leader surrounded the van carrying him, halting the transport to jail.
Since the former Prime Minister fled the country amid a mass uprising, Hindus and other minority groups claim to have faced increased attacks. The government, however, maintains that the perceived threat to Hindus has been exaggerated. Bangladesh's population is predominantly Muslim, with Hindus comprising the majority of the minority groups.
The Hindu leader, facing sedition charges filed in October, was arrested at the main airport in Dhaka while en route to Chattogram. The charges stem from a rally in Chattogram where he was accused of disrespecting the national flag. The leader was taken to the headquarters of the Detective Branch in Dhaka after his arrest.
Prabhu, a respected figure associated with various Hindu organizations, has been leading rallies demanding safety for Hindus. The interim government views these rallies as a destabilizing factor and potentially linked to efforts to rehabilitate the former Prime Minister and her party.
Prabhu's followers have taken to the streets in Chattogram and Dhaka to demand his release. In a recent incident, a mob armed with sticks attacked Hindu protesters near Dhaka University, driving them away from the area.
The country's security agencies are facing challenges in maintaining order following the mass uprising that led to the former Prime Minister's departure. The police forces remain demoralized after suffering casualties during the unrest in July and August.
