In the wake of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s resignation on August 5, 2024, Bangladesh has experienced a surge in communal violence targeting minorities, particularly the Hindu community. Following Hasina’s departure amidst widespread protests, there have been reports of coordinated attacks on Hindu homes, businesses, and places of worship across several regions in the country.




The initial trigger for these attacks appears to be the political instability and power vacuum created by Hasina’s resignation. This situation has been exploited by extremist elements to incite violence against minority communities. According to Bangladesh’s leading newspaper like “The Daily Star”[1][2], rampage continuing in 27 districts across Bangladesh. Mobs across the country have vandalized properties, set fire to houses, and assaulted residents. Eyewitnesses report that these attacks have left many injured and forced numerous families to flee their homes for safety [3][4]. European Union (EU) has expressed serious concern on continued attacks against minorities in the country [5][6].
Local authorities have been criticized for their inadequate response to the violence. Reports indicate that police have been slow to intervene, and in some cases, they have even refused to register complaints from the victims. This lack of protection has heightened the sense of vulnerability among the affected communities. Reports received by HRCBM depicts Islamist marauders rampaging through villages and towns pillaging and destroying Hindu and other minority properties.
International organizations and foreign governments have expressed deep concern over the situation. The United Nations and various human rights groups have called for immediate measures to protect minorities and prevent further violence. They have urged the interim government to conduct thorough investigations and bring the perpetrators to justice.
Reference:
[1] Daily Star, 2024. Hindu houses, businesses attacked in 27 districts. Available online at https://www.thedailystar.net/news/bangladesh/news/hindu-houses-businesses-attacked-27-districts-3670226[2] Daily Star, 2024. Attacks on Hindu houses, temples, businesses go on. Available online at https://www.thedailystar.net/news/bangladesh/news/attacks-hindu-houses-temples-businesses-go-3671121 [3] FirstPost, 2024. From temple to Hindu leaders, Bangladesh’s anti-Hasina mobs attack minorities. First Post. Available online at https://www.firstpost.com/world/bangladesh-protests-violence-hindus-temples-attacked-councillors-killed-sheikh-hasina-13801321.html
[4] EconomicTimes, 2024. Bangladesh Protest: Anti-Hindu attacks grow amid political turmoil, several temples defaced. The Economic Times. Available online at https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/international/world-news/bangladesh-protest-anti-hindu-attacks-grow-amid-political-turmoil-iskcon-temples-defaced/articleshow/112289047.cms?utm_source=contentofinterest&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=cppst
[5] DhakaTribune, 2024. EU concerned about attacks on
minorities in Bangladesh. Dhaka Tribune. Available online at https://www.dhakatribune.com/bangladesh/foreign-affairs/353903/eu-concerned-about-attacks-on-minorities-in [6] dailyobserver, 2024. EU appeals all parties to reject
communal violence, protect rights of all. Daily Observer. Available online at https://www.observerbd.com/news.php?id=483989
2 Comments
samir
democracy in muslim mind is next to impossible on this earth, so what is happening in bangladesh is nothing abnormal and the western countries is very much aware of it even during bangladesh liberation lakhs of people died in genicide n they never uttered a word or contemplated any action.This is normal absolutely
Rafeekulla
“Protecting minorities is essential for a just society. Everyone deserves respect and equality, regardless of their background globaly
There have been instances where Muslims in the UK have faced targeting or discrimination based on false suspicions or stereotypes. This often stems from broader issues like Islamophobia, which can lead to unfair treatment or suspicion of Muslim communities.For example, after high-profile terrorist attacks, there can be a rise in anti-Muslim sentiment and hate crimes. Additionally, misconceptions and negative portrayals in media can contribute to unjust targeting of Muslims.