According to a report of Voice of America’s Bangla service, the US-based Bangladeshi Hindus have expressed deep concern over escalating violence against minorities in Bangladesh. Leaders allege government inaction in curbing over 2,000 reported incidents of communal violence, including attacks on homes, businesses, and places of worship. Activists are calling for global attention and justice for the affected communities.
Minority Watch Desk:Â Members of the Bangladeshi minority Hindu community residing in the United States have raised serious concerns about escalating violence and persecution of minorities in Bangladesh. They have criticized the interim government for allegedly downplaying and trivializing these incidents as isolated cases. According to community leaders and reports, the violence is creating an unprecedented climate of fear for minority groups, especially Hindus, in the country.
Claims of Concealment and Distortion
Pranesh Halder, a leader of Nilachal, an organization representing the Bangladeshi Hindu diaspora in the US, told VOA:
“There is an attempt to conceal and distort the situation in some cases. The main perpetrators of this violence are extremist Islamic groups, who have received tacit support from the interim government. It is crucial to expose these crimes and unveil the faces of the extremists through a comprehensive investigation.”
Halder highlighted the severe decline in the Hindu population in Bangladesh over the past five decades, from 20% to just 8%. He described the current situation as “grave,” adding that minorities in Bangladesh are living in constant fear.
Alarming Statistics
A report by Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB), citing the Hindu-Buddhist-Christian Unity Council, documented 2,010 incidents of communal violence between August 5 and August 20, 2024. These included:
- 9 people killed
- 4 cases of rape or gang rape
- 69 places of worship attacked, vandalized, or set on fire
- 915 homes attacked, looted, or burned
- 953 businesses attacked, looted, or destroyed
- 38 cases of physical assault
- 21 incidents of land or business seizures
The report also criticized the interim government for its lack of action during its first 100 days in power. It highlighted a failure to address violence against religious minorities, marginalized groups, and dissidents.
Community Reactions and Initiatives
Bangladeshi-origin Hindus abroad have been organizing protests to draw attention to the plight of minorities. A rally was recently held in front of the White House, with more planned in the future. Moushumi Mitra Chowdhury, a leader of the Greater Washington Hindu Society, told VOA:
“Since August 5, our family members and relatives in Bangladesh have been living a nightmare. They face daily fear and anxiety, and those who speak out face severe consequences. Protest is unthinkable under such conditions. Many elders say this is the worst situation since the Liberation War of 1971.”
Chowdhury added that they are coordinating with other organizations across the US to organize collective protests and are reaching out to congressmen and senators for support. Social media has also become a platform for raising awareness and mobilizing action.
Rising Tensions Following Arrests
The situation escalated following the arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das, a former ISKCON leader and spokesperson for the Sanatan Jagaran platform. Das was arrested on November 25, and a sedition case was filed against him the next day. Protests erupted outside the Chittagong court during his bail hearing, leading to clashes between law enforcement and his supporters. A public prosecutor was reportedly killed during the confrontation, heightening tensions between Hindu and Muslim communities.
Das’s bail hearing on December 3 was postponed by a month after no lawyer appeared on his behalf. Allegations have surfaced that lawyers were intimidated to prevent them from representing him, a claim echoed by Indian and Bangladeshi media.
International Responses
The United States has responded cautiously to the situation. On December 3, a U.S. State Department spokesperson told VOA,
“The United States welcomes the interim government’s efforts to ensure the safety of all Bangladeshi citizens. We condemn any violence or intolerance against minority communities and urge the government to uphold fundamental freedoms, including freedom of religion, expression, and peaceful assembly.”
Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel reiterated this stance during a briefing, emphasizing the importance of respecting human rights and the rule of law.
Calls for Justice and Reform
Despite claims by the Bangladeshi interim government that reports of minority persecution are exaggerated, community leaders and activists stress the need for immediate action. They demand thorough investigations, accountability for perpetrators, and measures to ensure the safety and dignity of minorities in Bangladesh.
Political Implications
The issue has also resonated in the U.S. political sphere. Former President Donald Trump criticized the Biden administration for its perceived inaction, writing on social media X:
“I strongly condemn the barbaric violence against Hindus, Christians, and other minorities who are getting attacked and looted by mobs in Bangladesh, which remains in a total state of chaos.”
As tensions rise, the Bangladeshi Hindu diaspora remains steadfast in its efforts to advocate for justice and raise awareness of the challenges faced by minorities in Bangladesh.