Bangladesh Riots

Hefazat-e-Islami, or the "Protectors of Islam," are a conservative group of Muslims that came together with the common goal to conserve the ideals of Islam. The author describes the ordinary streets of Bangladesh, usually filled with markets and children, then transitions to describe the violent riot, caused by this Islamic extremist group, where more than 14 people were found dead, and over 75 wounded.The Hefazat-e-Islami went tot he government to share their strong beliefs that anyone who blasphemed Islam should be put to death. Other beliefs include mandatory Islamic education, a ban on all statues, and that, in a country of 150 million people, men and women should not be allowed to mix and interact. When their demands were not met or even acknowledged by the government, these bloody riots broke out in the streets of Motijheel. The country's direction at this point is unpredictable, as two opposing forces are intensifying. The youth in these conflicted cities are rising up and going to the government in attempt to ban extremist groups such as the Hefazat-e-Islami. The next couple months, or even weeks, will reveal whether Islamic radicals will take over Bangladesh cities, or whether these violent riots will continue.