In a concerning series of events in Bangladesh, there have been multiple incidents of temple vandalism and violence against the Hindu community. These attacks have reportedly intensified following the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council has documented numerous cases where Hindu homes, businesses, and temples were targeted, including the theft of a crown from the Jeshoreshwari Kali Temple in Satkhira, a gift from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This has led to significant alarm and demands for a comprehensive investigation.
The political landscape in Bangladesh has shifted with the departure of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, creating a vacuum that has facilitated the rise of Islamist extremism. This increase in extremist activities has been linked to heightened violence against minorities, especially Hindus. Recent celebrations of the Durga Puja were marred by repeated attacks, including bombings and other violent acts aimed at the Hindu community. For instance, an idol immersion procession was attacked in Old Dhaka, injuring several individuals. Additionally, on October 2, vandalism of three under-construction idols occurred at Palpara Durga Mandir in Pabna’s Sujanagar.
Radical Islamic groups have further threatened the Hindu minority, discouraging visible celebrations of Durga Puja and opposing public holidays for the festival. These incidents underscore the precarious security situation for minorities and illustrate the urgent need for measures to protect their rights and safety.
Despite these attacks, members of the Hindu minority criticize the Bangladeshi government’s insufficient response to these threats. Following the theft of the golden crown at the Jeshoreshwari Kali Temple on October 10, questions arose about the management’s security measures, according to an investigation by the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus. Additionally, incidents like the vandalism by schoolchildren of Durga Puja idols in Lakshmipur District raise concerns about the community mindset and ongoing cycles of intolerance.
The interim government under Muhammad Yunus has dismissed concerns expressed by India over the violence against Hindus, labeling them as exaggerated and politically motivated. However, the severity of attacks during Durga Puja necessitated Yunus’s visit to the Dhakeshwari Temple to convey that the government is attentive to the issue.
Moreover, threats against the Hindu population have escalated drastically, with radical groups issuing warnings to leave Bangladesh or face violence. These threats have included public harassment of Hindu women, destruction of homes, and the burning of cultural institutions such as the Indira Gandhi Cultural Centre. The government has been criticized for its downplaying of these threats and has come under scrutiny for releasing radicalized offenders from incarceration. Reports of kidnappings and forced resignations of Hindu officials are fueling calls for intervention from India, with discussions about potential geopolitical changes within Bangladesh to ensure the safety of the Hindu community.
