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Surge in Attacks on Minorities and Journalists in Bangladesh: HRW

Law enforcers charge batons to disperse followers gathered to demand the release of their leader Chinmoy Krishna Das, a Hindu leader associated with the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), who appeared at the Chattogram Metropolitan Magistrate Court, in Chattogram, Bangladesh, November 26, 2024. | Reuters

Human Rights Watch Report Highlights Attacks on Minority Communities, Mob Violence, Politically Motivated Attacks, Crackdown on Awami League Supporters and the Crackdown on Media in Bangladesh.

Minority Watch, Dhaka — Since the formation of an interim government led by Muhammad Yunus, extremist groups have increasingly targeted Hindus and other religious minorities, often due to their perceived support for Hasina’s Awami League party, according to a report by Human Rights Watch (HRW) released on January 27, 2025.

Between August and October 2024, at least 88 cases of communal violence resulted in widespread destruction of Hindu properties, businesses, and places of worship, says the human rights defender.

The HRW report, titled After the Monsoon Revolution: A Roadmap to Lasting Security Sector Reform in Bangladesh, draws attention to the rise of extremist violence and abuses by security forces following the ousting of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in August 2024.

Ethnic and Religious Attacks on Minority Communities

After Hasina’s resignation, attacks on ethnic minorities escalated, particularly in the Chittagong Hill Tracts. In September 2024, riots broke out, resulting in the deaths of at least four people when the military used live ammunition to suppress protests by Indigenous Jumma youth. International monitors were denied access to the region.

Authorities arrested Hindu monk Chinmoy Krishna Das, who had been leading mass rallies of Hindus protesting against persecution, accusing him of sedition for allegedly disrespecting the Bangladeshi flag. This led to intense protests outside the Chittagong court. Das was denied bail, and his lawyer reported threats of mob violence against anyone attempting to represent him. As one Hindu lawyer explained, “Lawyers are afraid to represent Chinmoy, as there were threats of mob violence. We all have our families to worry about.”

In an interview with the Press Trust of India, Muhammad Yunus, Chief of the interim government, acknowledged that the attacks were politically motivated. “While beating up Awami League cadres, they had beaten up Hindus as there is a perception that Hindus in Bangladesh mean Awami League supporters,” Yunus said.

Commentators told HRW that Hindus and other religious minorities were attacked because of their traditional support for the Awami League. A journalist from Pabna remarked, “Those who have been involved in Awami League politics were targeted. In this area, Hindus are known as Awami League supporters anyway. So the Hindu people were targeted.”

Mob Violence and Politically Motivated Attacks

A significant rise in mob violence targeted Hindus, particularly in areas where they were seen as supporters of the Awami League. In December 2024, a violent mob in Sunamganj district attacked Hindu homes and businesses after a Facebook post allegedly made by a Hindu individual was deemed offensive to Islam.

The mob vandalized temples and homes, with more than 50 houses affected. A witness described the terrifying scene: “I thought I would have been killed by the mob. There were more than 300 people. I had persuaded my female relatives to move out but decided to remain at home. But when the mob started attacking my house, I fled. If they had found me, they would have killed me.”

Crackdown on Awami League Supporters

Following Hasina’s departure, attacks on Awami League supporters, including both Hindus and Muslims, increased. There were widespread reports of arbitrary arrests, particularly targeting former Awami League officials and their supporters.

Thousands of cases were filed, many naming both individuals and large groups of “unknown” persons, allowing the police to arrest nearly anyone at will. Between August 6 and September 25, police filed cases against 92,486 people, with over 200 cases against Sheikh Hasina herself. HRW reviewed eight First Information Reports (FIRs) related to killings in July and August, revealing that nearly 300 individuals were named, including Hasina and Awami League ministers, alongside hundreds of unnamed individuals.

Shuprova Tasneem, whose father, former parliamentarian Asaduzzaman Noor, was arrested without a warrant, told HRW that Noor was named in three different murder cases with hundreds of others. “While deeply personal to me, this case is not just about my father; it’s about breaking the cycle of political retribution,” she wrote.

Crackdown on the Press

Alongside the targeting of political opponents, the interim government has intensified its crackdown on journalists. Over 140 journalists faced murder charges for their coverage of the Monsoon Revolution. HRW reports that the government revoked more than 150 press accreditations, further restricting press freedom.

At least 25 journalists are named in a complaint filed with Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal, facing charges of crimes against humanity.

HRW stated, “Mass cases against journalists for not backing the protesters sends a dangerous message for freedom of expression under the interim government.”

Authorities have especially targeted journalists from the privately owned, pro-Awami League broadcaster Ekattor TV. On September 16, police detained Mozammel Babu, Ekattor’s managing director and editor-in-chief, along with Shyamal Dutta, the general secretary of the National Press Club in Dhaka and editor of Bhorer Kagoj.

On August 21, police detained Farzana Rupa and her husband, Shakil Ahmed, charging them in two separate murder cases related to the Monsoon Revolution. The journalists are still behind bars.

Recommendations for Reform

HRW urges the interim government to protect all citizens, end arbitrary detentions, and bring security forces under independent civilian oversight. The government should repeal laws that allow for vague charges, curb extrajudicial killings, and protect freedom of expression, particularly for journalists.

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