Dhaka: It is one of the worst terror strikes that Bangladesh has witnessed since its liberation from Pakistan in 1971. An attack that may have happened in Dhaka, but sent ripples across the World.
For the first time in the history of the 45-year-old nation, foreign nationals were targeted and killed systematically in an act of extremism. Religious violence, off late, has been on the rise in Bangladesh. The brutal and brazen killings of liberal thinkers, bloggers and minorities has been a cause for concern for some time now.
The scene outside the ancient Dhakeshwari Temple in Dhaka proves that the largest religious minorities, the Hindus, are scared after Friday's attack. This is a place that is revered by the 11% Hindus living in Bangladesh. The city Dhaka also derives its name from the Dhakeshwari temple.
A Hindu resident of the capital, who does not want to be named, said Hindus have been living in fear for years and that the recent incidents have worsened the situation for them. It was not like this in the past, he said. Now he wants to leave the country because the rise of Islamists would leave no place for minorities.
Some others are a little less pessimistic. A woman CNN-News18 spoke to said that she had been coming to Dhakeshwari temple for the past 20 years. She feels that Hindus are being targeted outside Dhaka; in the city, she feels quite safe but remains cautious.
The priest of this ancient temple, Pandit Chakroborty, is clear about one thing. He is sure that Hindus and other minorities are no longer as comfortable as they used to be and he prays everyday for the old Bangladesh to come back.
However the Bangladesh government is still in denial mode. Speaking to CNN News18 Gowhar Rizvi, Advisor to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said, "We live in a secular atmosphere. They are our brothers. The situation is not that bad and our government is committed to safeguarding their interests".
But the bigger question is: Is the government living in denial? The voices speak differently! The terror attack in Dhaka and the recent brutal killings of minorities is linked to extremism. Something that Bangladesh has been fighting for long. Some say Bangladesh can't become another Pakistan. Some differ with these people. The country is staring at an uncertain future.
Comments
0 comment