Bangladesh's Religious Minorities Face Rising Violence, Exclusion

The situation has raised alarms both domestically and internationally, with minority leaders accusing the interim government of failing to protect them or include their voices in key reforms. Violence and Discrimination on the Rise The Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council reported that 2,442 incidents of violence against religious and ethnic minorities occurred between August 4, 2024, and June 30, 2025. These included murders, rapes, vandalism of places of worship, forced evictions, and attacks on small communities. The worst period was between August 4 and August 20, 2024, when 2,100 incidents were recorded, including 1,769 communal attacks. Police, however, have disputed these claims, stating that investigations into 27 reported killings found no evidence of communal motives. Instead, they attributed the deaths to land disputes, financial conflicts, robberies, and personal enmities. Similarly, out of 20 reported cases of sexual violence, charges were filed in 16, with 25 arrests made. Despite these reassurances, minority leaders remain unconvinced. Manindra Kumar Nath, Acting General Secretary of the Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council, told Deutsche Welle, “Since 2001, attacks on minorities during and after elections have become a culture. This government does not give us importance. We are not represented in any commission except the Media Reform Commission.” USCIRF Report Corroborates Concerns The USCIRF report, released after a May 2025 visit to Dhaka, documented a surge in attacks against Hindus, Ahmadiyya Muslims, and other minorities since the ouster of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in July 2024. The report noted that Hindu women have stopped wearing bindis and bangles to avoid harassment, while mobs have destroyed at least 25 temples and 20 Hindu homes in targeted attacks this year alone. The findings support India’s long-standing concerns about minority persecution in Bangladesh, though the report also acknowledged that disinformation from Indian media had exacerbated tensions. The diplomatic fallout has been significant, with Bangladesh accusing India of interference, while New Delhi continues to press for minority protections. Government Response and Minority Distrust The interim government, led by Chief Advisor Dr. Yunus, has denied allegations of systemic discrimination. Dr. AFM Khalid Hossain, Advisor to the Ministry of Religion, stated, “The police have thoroughly investigated these incidents and found no communal motives. We consider all citizens equal.” However, minority leaders argue that actions speak louder than words. The recent demolition of a temporary Durga temple in Khilkhet—reportedly part of an anti-encroachment drive—sparked outrage. Nirmal Rosario, a leader of the Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council, demanded an apology, saying, “The government bulldozed a temple. How can we trust them?” Ongoing Impunity and Fear Cases like the rape and murder of Basana Mallick, a Hindu UP member in Narail, highlight the challenges minorities face in securing justice. Her son, Rinku Mallick, alleged that she was targeted for refusing to pay extortion money, but police downplayed the communal angle. Meanwhile, arrests of minority activists, such as Chinmoy Krishna Brahmachari of the Sanatani Jagran Jote, have further fueled fears. His supporters claim he is being persecuted on false charges, discouraging others from speaking out. Constitutional Reforms and Identity Crisis The interim government’s proposed constitutional reforms—replacing “secularism” with “pluralism”—have also sparked debate. Hardline Islamist groups are pushing for stronger religious provisions, while minorities fear further marginalization. As Bangladesh moves toward elections in 2026, the treatment of minorities remains a flashpoint. With international scrutiny intensifying and domestic tensions rising, the government faces mounting pressure to ensure protections for all citizens—before the crisis spirals further out of control. (Source: Insight Tribune)