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There has been a concerning rise in Islamist extremism in Bangladesh, which has led to increased violence against minorities, particularly the Hindus. The political vacuum following the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has allowed Islamist parties to gain ground.
The situation in Bangladesh has been dire for the Hindu community. There have been numerous reports of violence and killings by radical mobs. For instance, during the recent Durga Puja celebrations, there were back-to-back attacks on Hindu communities, including attacks on puja mandaps. Miscreants attacked an idol immersion procession in Old Dhaka, injuring three people. Additionally, there have been reports of bomb attacks on puja mandaps and other violent acts targeting the Hindu community.
On 2 October, miscreants vandalised three under-construction idols intended for Durga Puja at Palpara Durga Mandir in Pabna’s Sujanagar. The hands and heads of the idols were damaged, as reported by Bijon Pal, president of the temple committee. Radical Islamic groups in Bangladesh have issued threats to the minority Hindu community, urging them not to openly celebrate Durga Puja and opposing nationwide holidays for the festival.
These incidents have raised serious concerns about the safety and security of minorities in the country. This situation calls for urgent action to protect the Hindu minority in Bangladesh. It’s a deeply troubling issue that highlights the need for stronger measures to ensure the safety and rights of all communities.
Members of the Hindu minority claim that the Bangladeshi government has failed to take action against these radical groups, which have intensified their attacks since the fall of the previous Sheikh Hasina-led administration. On the theft of the golden crown at the Jeshoreshwari Kali temple in the southern Bangladesh district of Satkhira on October 10 Investigations the Yunus government has rather tried to lay blame on the temple management, questioning why the priest and temple staff left such a precious possession unguarded and insecure.In Ramganj, Bangladesh’s Lakshmipur District, 4-5 children aged 8-9, students of local schools and madrasas, were caught vandalising Durga Puja idols. An administrator noted the troubling mindset within the community, suggesting that children are encouraged to break idols for rewards. Critics warn that promoting hatred towards art and statues, such as those of Mujib, perpetuates this behaviour, leading to a cycle of vandalism and intolerance.
The interim government of Bangladesh, led by Muhammad Yunus, has dismissed India’s concerns about the attacks on Hindus as “uncalled for” and “baseless”. Yunus has described the issue as exaggerated and primarily political rather than communal. And yet so troubling and widespread have been the attacks on Hindu temples during the Durga Puja that Yunus had to visit the Dhakeshwari temple following vandalism during celebrations, to keep up appearances that the interim government is taking note.
Recent threats against Hindus in Bangladesh have escalated dramatically, with radical groups warning them to leave within seven days or face violence. Incidents include open molestation of Hindu women, vandalism of homes and places of worship, and the burning of the Indira Gandhi Cultural Centre, along with its 21,000 books. The government, led by the Muhammad Yunus, has downplayed these atrocities and released radicalised terrorists from jail. There are alarming reports of kidnappings and forced resignations of Hindu officials. Calls are growing for India’s intervention, including suggestions for the balkanization of Bangladesh or the establishment of an autonomous Hindu region.