{"id":16531,"date":"2024-08-12T11:00:18","date_gmt":"2024-08-12T10:00:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.opendoorsuk.org\/?post_type=news&p=16531"},"modified":"2024-08-14T14:11:48","modified_gmt":"2024-08-14T13:11:48","slug":"bangladesh-unrest-converts","status":"publish","type":"news","link":"https:\/\/connect.opendoorsuk.org\/ireland\/blog\/news\/latest-news\/bangladesh-unrest-converts\/","title":{"rendered":"Rising number of converts targeted as political and social unrest engulfs Bangladesh"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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This family is among several converts targeted by radical groups following the political unrest that’s hit Bangladesh recently<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

A rising number of Christian converts and other religious minorities in Bangladesh are being targeted by radical groups in the wake of ongoing political and social unrest. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Following weeks of anti-government protests, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina left her post on Monday 5 August and fled the country. She had been in power for more than two decades. Professor Muhammad Yunus, a Nobel Laureate, was sworn in as head of the interim government on Friday (9 August). New elections will be called.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why is Bangladesh in crisis?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The protests broke out last month over a quota system for government jobs, leading to clashes with government forces. The unrest then escalated, with law and order breaking down. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Many police stations have been looted and destroyed, with some officers killed in the chaos. It’s left police stations almost empty, with minimal police around to protect people. Officers are refusing to return to duty unless nine demands are met, including compensation for the families of deceased officers and ensuring that at least one family member is appointed to an equivalent position. <\/p>\n\n\n

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“Others live in fear and hiding, seeking security for their lives”<\/p> Open Doors local partner<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n

In the absence of law enforcement, residents have taken to patrolling the streets, whilst students are controlling traffic. Whilst the violence has subsided since early last week, thefts and burglaries are commonplace, with many perpetrators armed with pistols and other tools used as weapons. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Meanwhile, banks have been instructed to limit transactions to less than 1 lakh (\u00a3670) per account, per day, which is hindering daily operations and making it challenging for businesses to run effectively. Daily wage earners are particularly suffering due to reduced employment opportunities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n