Amid the ongoing crisis in Bangladesh, several groups of Muslim students have taken the initiative to safeguard places of worship belonging to minority communities, including Hindus, in the Noakhali area. As violence escalated, particularly targeting religious minorities, these efforts have offered some protection and support.
In response, Muslim students from the majority community in Noakhali have organized to protect minority groups and their places of worship. Samin Yusa, a student of Noakhali Government College and an active member of the protest movement, explained their efforts: “Our group, along with other students, has taken responsibility for guarding a Hindu crematorium. Nearby, there is a temple where Jamaat-e-Islami has also stationed a group to protect temples and other minority establishments. Local madrasa students are similarly working to ensure the safety of the people. We’ve asked temple authorities to reach out if they need help, and we’ve taken this initiative at a grassroots level.”
Yusa also mentioned that Jamaat-e-Islami has formed a volunteer group, while Hefazat-i-Islam has set up a helpline specifically for minorities. Despite the students’ involvement in protests against the Awami League government, they emphasize that their movement is not against minorities. Saif Ahmed, the social media manager of the Bangla Tigers cricket team and Rangpur Riders, highlighted this spirit of solidarity by sharing an image on X of a Muslim man praying in front of Dhakeshwari Temple to protect it from attackers.
Despite these efforts, reports of violence against minorities continue, indicating the complex and volatile nature of the situation.
