In the aftermath of Sheikh Hasina’s recent ousting as Prime Minister of Bangladesh, reports have surfaced of increased violence and Persecution against the country’s religious minorities, particularly Hindus and Christians. This wave of Persecution has stoked fears within these communities, which have historically been vulnerable during times of political instability in Bangladesh.

The Fall of Sheikh Hasina:

Sheikh Hasina, leader of the Awami League, had been in power for more than a decade and was widely viewed as a protector of religious minorities in the Muslim-majority country. Hasina’s government was seen as relatively secular, and her policies often provided a degree of safety and inclusion for non-Muslims, particularly Hindus, who represent about 8-10% of the population.

However, after months of unrest, led mainly by student protests opposing a government quota system for jobs, her regime faced increasing opposition. The protests evolved into a wider movement against her leadership, culminating in her resignation and flight from the country in August 2024. With her departure, a power vacuum was created, which has since led to widespread violence, much of which is directed at minorities living in Bangladesh.

A Wave of Violence And Attacks:

According to the Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council, there have been over 200 attacks on Hindu and Christian homes, businesses, and temples across 52 districts​. These attacks have included vandalism, looting, and even arson, leaving many of these communities in fear for their safety.

For many Hindus, the violence and attacks have evoked painful memories of previous instances of communal strife in the country, such as the widespread persecution during the 1971 Bangladesh War of Independence and subsequent attacks during periods of political instability in the 1990s​.

Kajal Debnath, a vice president of the Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council, said, ‘‘Hindus are closing their doors and are afraid to open them, even in Dhaka. This fear is now spreading from the capital to the remote villages. The tension in Hindu and Christian communities is intense, and many are seeking refuge, with some reportedly attempting to flee to neighboring India.’’

Motives Behind the Attacks:

After the Fall of Sheikh Hasina’s Government, Many of the Ban Islamic groups, such as Jamaat-e-Islami, which was banned as a terrorist organization in Bangladesh, appear to be regaining influence along with another previously banned Islamist group, Hizb ut-Tahrir. The second is mainly known for its anti-minority stance. At a rally in early August, Hizb ut-Tahrir made its intentions clear by openly threatening Christians and Hindus to convert to Islam or leave the country. This group has reportedly called for Bangladesh to become a Muslim-only nation, raising fears among religious minorities, who have already been facing persecution in the wake of the political turmoil.

There are hundreds of Viral videos on social media in which we witness the attacks and burning of Hindu and Christian houses. It has also been seen that these Islamists beat women and girls in public for not wearing Hijab or Burka. Additionally, the followers of these Islamic groups visit the Christian and Hindu communities and mark the doors of Christians with the sign of the Cross and Hindu houses with the sign swastika.  

The Motive of these attacks is clearly indicating that Islamists wanted to eliminate Christians and Hindus from Bangladesh.

It is time for the International community and world leaders to look into the Persecution of Ethnic and religious minorities in Bangladesh before it is too late.

A Buddhist tribal woman was beaten in public in Bangladesh.

A Hindu woman was beaten in public in Bangladesh.