Bangladesh’s ruling party rallies for Hindus after deadly clashes

DHAKA, Oct 19 (Reuters) – Thousands of members of Bangladesh’s ruling party rallied on Tuesday in support of the nation’s besieged minority Hindus after one of the worst bouts of communal violence in the Muslim-majority nation for over a decade.

The wave of clashes left at least six people dead and dozens of homes destroyed, according to local media.
Police said 450 people had been arrested.

The attacks began on Friday when hundreds of Muslims protested in the southeastern Noakhali district accusing Hindus of a blasphemous incident involving the Koran. Several Hindu religious sites have been vandalised, and homes attacked.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League party held a rally in the capital Dhaka, with thousands marching along a 4 km route in the heart of the city, calling for a halt to the violence.

“Stop this communal evil, Bangladesh,” read one banner held by women supporters.

Elsewhere in Dhaka, several hundred writers gathered, holding up handwritten messages and small posters.