NEW DELHI — Amid reports of attacks on minorities during violence in Bangladesh, members of the Muslim community stood guard at temples and exhorted people to protect members of the Hindu community.

Owing to huge protests and large-scale demonstrations, Sheikh Hasina had to step down as prime minister on August 5. She was forced to flee the country as thousands of protesters stormed her official residence in Dhaka and indulged in acts of vandalism. Several government offices were also attacked and there were reports of violence at the residences of many ministers in Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League government. There were also reports of targeting of members of the Hindu community as they were seen as Awami League sympathisers.

However, concerned citizens of Bangladesh came out to stand guard and protect the minorities against the raging violence. Several pictures of local Muslims including religious groups and madrasa students were shared on social media showing them guarding temples. The pictures also show Bangladeshi Muslims standing near temples along with priests in solidarity with them. Madrasa students can also be seen protecting the temples.

The photos, posted by Facebook users from Bangladesh, later went viral on other social media platforms.

A Facebook user named Ryana Imtiaz from Bangladesh put out a message saying “We need a large number of volunteers to protect the religious institutions in our area Mohammadpur and Dhanmondi until the Army comes. We will make a 4-hour shift for everyone. The shift will start from midnight tonight”.

It also gave a WhatsApp contact number.

An announcement was also made through a mosque calling on people to protect minorities in Bangladesh.

“Dear Citizens, We ‘Students Against Discrimination’ are requesting you, during this period of unrest in the country, we all must maintain communal harmony. We should protect Hindu minorities. Protect their lives and their wealth from miscreants/evil forces. It is your responsibility, our responsibility, and everyone’s responsibility. Let’s all be vigilant,” said the announcer from a mosque.