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Hindu Homes and Businesses Attacked in Bangladesh’s Sunamganj

Burned and vandalized Hindu shops in Sunamganj, December 3, 2024.

Mob Violence Erupts Over Alleged Facebook Post: A Stark Reminder of Minority Vulnerability

Minority Watch, Sunamganj, December 4, 2024—

In yet another distressing incident highlighting the vulnerabilities of religious minorities in Bangladesh, Hindu homes, businesses, and temples were attacked in Dowarabazar, Sunamganj, following allegations about an ‘offensive’ Facebook post by a Hindu youth. The violence, which erupted on December 3, saw widespread vandalism and looting, leaving the community in fear.

Eyewitness accounts from local Hindu leaders describe the attacks as widespread and deliberate. Khokan Roy, General Secretary of the Dowarabazar Loknath Mandir Management Committee, stated, “At least 30 Hindu homes were vandalized, and over 100 shops in the local market, including gold shops, were ransacked. The fanatics attacked the Loknath Temple, causing damages estimated at Tk 20 lakh.

Targeting of Religious Leaders and Institutions

Among those affected was Gaur Das, a leader of the Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council, whose residence and private temple were specifically targeted by the attackers. The violence wasn’t confined to Sunamganj; reports also emerged of the Sree Sree Kali Mandir being partially damaged in Moulvibazar’s Barlekha upazila the same night.

However, the local administration disputes these figures, characterizing the event as less severe. “A few houses and shops were affected. The situation is now stable,” remarked Dowarabazar Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Meher Nigar Tonu, downplaying the extent of the destruction.

Authorities’ Response and Rising Concerns

Security forces, including the Bangladesh Army, swiftly intervened to restore order, setting up a temporary camp in Manglargaon to prevent further violence. A case under the Cyber Security Act has been filed against the youth accused of posting the content, and he has since been denied bail and sent to jail.

Meanwhile, police have launched an investigation to identify those responsible for the mob violence, filing charges against both named and unidentified suspects. This incident comes at a time when the Bangladesh interim government faces heightened scrutiny over its perceived inability to safeguard minority communities. It follows a series of similar incidents, including the controversial arrest of a Hindu priest at Dhaka airport, which prompted the Indian Ministry of External Affairs to urge Bangladesh to reinforce protections for its minorities.

The Role of Social Media and Calls for Accountability

This attack once again underscores the dangers posed by misinformation and inflammatory content spreading on social media. Past instances in Bangladesh and Myanmar have shown how unchecked hate speech on platforms like Facebook can rapidly escalate into violence. Despite assurances from tech companies, experts argue that social media giants are not doing enough to curb the spread of communal incitement.

Bangladesh has recently witnessed violent attacks on its minority Hindu community, especially in the wake of political instability. Islamist extremist groups have targeted Hindu homes, businesses, and places of worship. In August 2024, amid a power vacuum following Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s ouster, Muslim fanatics attacked Hindu houses, continuing a broader pattern of systemic persecution against minorities.

A Call for Justice and Long-Term Solutions

“Despite reassurances from the interim government about improved security, many in minority communities continue to feel unsafe. The violence in Sunamganj is a grim reminder of the urgent need for a stronger legal framework to protect minority communities and prevent communal unrest,” said the Acting General Secretary of the Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council to Minority Watch.

Ensuring swift justice for victims, fostering interfaith dialogue, and holding social media companies accountable for content moderation are crucial steps in preventing such tragedies from recurring. For Bangladesh to uphold its values of pluralism and harmony, its leadership must go beyond damage control and implement sustainable measures to protect its minorities from both digital and physical threats, he added.

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