Bangladeshi Hindus Face Escalating Attacks After Hasina’s Exit

Krishna Das, a small-scale farmer from Monglargaon village in Sunamganj, stands outside his ruined home and recalls the mayhem caused by a Muslim mob following an alleged blasphemy incident. His family was forced to flee in fear [Mehedi Hasan Marof/Al Jazeera]

The Hindu minority in Bangladesh is grappling with a surge in violence following the political exit of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, a leader known for her secular policies and efforts to protect minority communities. Reports of attacks on Hindu individuals, families, and temples have sparked fear and uncertainty among the community, which constitutes approximately 8% of Bangladesh’s population.

A Wave of Violence

According to activists and local witnesses, several Hindu households and businesses have been targeted in arson attacks, while Hindu temples in rural areas have faced vandalism. Many victims say that local law enforcement has been slow to respond, exacerbating their sense of vulnerability.

One resident from the Khulna district, whose house was burned down during a mob attack, shared their distress: “We shouted for help, but no one came. It feels like our lives don’t matter anymore.”

Political Vacuum Fuels Unrest

Observers suggest that the departure of Sheikh Hasina from power has created a political vacuum, emboldening extremist groups that view Hindus as “outsiders” or “undesirables.” Under Hasina’s Awami League government, efforts were made to ensure greater rights and protection for minorities, including Hindus. However, her departure has led to concerns over a resurgence of hardline Islamist ideologies within the country.

Analysts point to the increasing influence of groups like Hefazat-e-Islam, which have historically opposed minority-friendly policies, as a driving factor behind the recent violence.

International Condemnation

The escalating violence has drawn sharp criticism from international organizations. Amnesty International called for immediate action to protect minority communities in Bangladesh, urging the interim government to uphold the principles of democracy and human rights.

The Indian government, which has long expressed concern over the safety of Hindus in Bangladesh, issued a statement condemning the attacks. “India stands firmly in solidarity with the Hindu community in Bangladesh and calls for immediate measures to curb the violence,” said a spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs.

Calls for Action

Community leaders in Bangladesh have called for swift intervention by authorities to restore order and protect vulnerable populations. “This is not just an attack on Hindus; it is an attack on the principles of tolerance and secularism that Bangladesh stands for,” said Rana Dasgupta, Secretary-General of the Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council.

Despite the dire situation, many Hindus in Bangladesh remain hopeful for peace and stability. Some have called on the global community to pressure the Bangladeshi government to ensure justice and prevent further atrocities.

The Road Ahead

As Bangladesh transitions to a new political era, the safety and rights of its minority communities remain a critical test of its commitment to secularism and democracy. The attacks on Bangladeshi Hindus serve as a stark reminder of the fragility of minority rights in volatile political climates.

The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether the government can step up to protect its citizens and uphold the values that Sheikh Hasina’s leadership sought to defend.