The Hindu community in Bangladesh, comprising approximately 8% of the country’s population, has long contributed to the nation’s rich cultural mosaic. However, the political transition following the overthrow of Sheikh Hasina’s government has exposed this minority group to heightened challenges. Under the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus, reports of targeted violence, institutional neglect, and social discrimination have surged, drawing widespread concern from India and the global community.
1. Increased Communal Violence
Since the interim government took power, incidents of communal violence against Hindus have spiked. In the last four months, human rights groups have documented over 1,200 cases of attacks on Hindu temples, homes, and businesses. Major clashes were reported in Dhaka, Chattogram, and Khulna, with victims describing coordinated assaults on their neighborhoods.
One of the worst attacks occurred in October 2024 in the Barishal district, where mobs vandalized six Hindu temples and desecrated idols. Despite clear evidence, few arrests were made, reflecting weak enforcement of justice.
2. Marginalization of Hindu Institutions
Religious organizations like the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) have faced growing hostility. A high-profile case was the arrest of Chinmoy Das, an ISKCON leader, on dubious charges, sparking protests in Bangladesh and abroad. Islamist groups have called for banning ISKCON, accusing it of “extremist activities” — allegations the Supreme Court dismissed, citing a lack of evidence.
This institutional targeting discourages religious gatherings, festivals, and education within the Hindu community. Leaders claim such actions are designed to intimidate and diminish Hindu cultural identity in Bangladesh.
3. Land Grabbing and Economic Displacement
Land disputes have long plagued minorities in Bangladesh, and the recent instability has exacerbated the problem. Activists report a surge in illegal land seizures, where Hindu families are forced off ancestral lands by powerful entities. According to the Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council, more than 150 Hindu families have been displaced since August 2024.
Additionally, Hindu-owned businesses are increasingly targeted. In one recent case, a prominent Hindu jewelry shop in Chattogram was set ablaze, resulting in losses worth over ₹2 crore (Bangladeshi Taka).
4. Socio-Political Discrimination
The Yunus-led administration has been accused of neglecting minority voices in governance and policy-making. Proposed reforms to remove secularism from the Bangladeshi Constitution have alarmed minorities. Activists fear that such changes will institutionalize discrimination and further erode their rights.
The community has also expressed frustration over unfulfilled promises, such as establishing a Minority Rights Commission.
5. Fear and Psychological Trauma
The Hindu population is gripped by fear, with many families refraining from participating in religious festivities. In 2024, Durga Puja celebrations saw a significant decline, with 40% fewer pandals erected compared to previous years. Many organizers cited fears of attacks and lack of security as the primary reasons.
A survey conducted by a local NGO revealed that 72% of Hindus in rural Bangladesh feel unsafe and would consider leaving the country if opportunities arose. This is a worrying trend for a nation priding itself on religious coexistence.
6. Lack of International Support
While India and organizations like the United Nations have condemned the attacks, practical measures to protect Hindus remain limited. Indian officials have raised the issue in bilateral discussions, but tangible results are yet to be seen.
In November 2024, global protests in the U.S., Canada, and Europe brought attention to the issue, but international pressure has yet to translate into significant changes on the ground.
Conclusion
The challenges faced by Hindus in Bangladesh under the Yunus administration reflect deeper systemic issues in protecting minority rights. The community’s resilience and calls for justice are admirable, but without robust domestic reforms and international support, their struggles may continue.
As neighboring India and other global powers engage with Bangladesh, ensuring minority rights must remain a priority. After all, a nation’s true progress is reflected in how it treats its most vulnerable communities.
