2025-01-03
26 分钟This BBC podcast is supported by ads outside the uk.
Hindu worship in a small university temple in Rangpur district, northern Bangladesh, a country in turmoil.
On 5 August 2024, student led protest forced the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, ending the reign of her party via Warm league.
Leading the prayers are two students in their early 20s, both of whom played active roles in the recent anti government protest where hundreds were killed by police and security forces.
I'm Sukunta Borman, I am studying Bachelor of Science in Information and Communication Technology.
I'm Bonamali Bommer, I'm studying in Public Administration.
How do you guys know each other?
We are childhood friends.
Yeah, best friends.
Shokanto and Bonamali, who grew up together in a small rural village just a few hours away, are part of the 8% Hindu minority in the Muslim majority Bangladesh.
In recent years there have been accusations of targeted attacks against Hindus because of a rise of Islamic extremism in Bangladesh.
The problem is said to have gotten worse since the fall of the previous government.
This summer, for seven nights Bonumali guarded his father's house, witnessing first hand the attacks on Hindus around him.
He saw homes and temples looted and destroyed with Hindus threatened, assaulted and even killed.
I'm Sahar Zand and this is the documentary on the BBC World Service this week on Heart and soul.
I'm in Bangladesh to uncover the truth.
Are Hindus truly under attack or is this a case of disinformation?
I think now students are the most important part of our country because our.
Last movement which causes fall down of previous government led by the students.
Bonamali, tall and athletic, often wears a cheeky smile while Shakanto, with his strong jaw and curly hair is more serious.