Bangladesh launches hotline to check attacks on religious institutions

The Ministry of Religious Affairs has introduced a dedicated hotline number for reporting attacks to ensure the safety of religious institutions amid reports of vandalism and arson of properties of Hindus in the country since August 5 .

The new hotline 01766-843809, is designed for individuals to quickly report any incidents involving miscreants targeting temples, churches, pagodas, or other religious institutions, a press release said on Monday.

The ministry, it added, encouraged the public to use this number for immediate assistance or to send text messages if they witness or experience any such attacks.

Earlier in the day, AFM Khalid Hossain, the religious affairs adviso to the interim government, said, “Those who are involved in these heinous attacks on places of worship are criminals. Strict action will be taken against them and they will be brought to book.”

He went on to say, "If a place of worship or someone’s house or property is being attacked anywhere in Bangladesh, they can call the hotline. We will contact the home ministry and initiate immediate action.”

Since the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government last week, there have been several reports of attacks on minorities, especially Hindu households, places of worship and businesses in parts of the country.

Chief Adviser of the interim government, Professor Muhammad Yunus, will hold a meeting with the leaders of the minority community on Tuesday.

On Saturday, addressing recent reports of attacks on minority communities, the chief adviser unequivocally condemned these acts, calling them "heinous."

Protests have been taking place against the attacks.

However, some Indian media reports and social media posts are spreading "fake" photos and "doctored" information regarding the those.