Minority groups in Bangladesh detail violence, mistreatment following government's collapse: 'scapegoats'

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Members of minority groups in Bangladesh spoke to Fox News Digital about the violence and mistreatment they have faced following the government's collapse earlier this month, all using false names for fear of reprisal.

Violence, even murder and the burning down of minority-owned businesses, places of worship and residences have been a major problem since the government of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was overthrown following violent protests. Bangladesh is 90% Muslim, with some Christians but mostly Hindus and Buddhists making up the rest of the population.

Sathya, a Hindu from Chittagong, told Fox News Digital that the Hasina government "wasn't the best" towards the Hindu minority, pointing out cases of land-grabbing of Hindu homes and temples under her governance, but suggested that they faced better treatment than under other governments - "the lesser evil," but only when "we are out of options."

"Hindus have always been the ‘scapegoats’ and were blamed whenever there was an economic crisis or other political issue that we had no control over," Sathya said. Indian outlet the Deccan Herald reported that 278 Hindu-owned locations have been ransacked since Hasina fled the country.

BANGLADESH PROTESTS THREATEN SAFETY OF RELIGIOUS MINORITIES AS TEMPLES BURNED, HOMES RANSACKED

He claimed that if a Hindu home sat empty, squatters would intrude and start building,