Bangladesh Minority Rights Group Condemns Attacks on Hindus, Calls for Government Action

New Delhi, India – The Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council, the country’s largest minority rights organization, has condemned the recent attacks on Hindus in the eastern Sunamganj district. In a statement issued on Thursday, the council demanded swift government action to hold those responsible accountable and to ensure justice for the victims.

The attacks, which occurred on the night of December 3, targeted over 100 homes and businesses belonging to the Hindu community in the villages of Manglargaon and Monigaon East Gunigram. The attackers reportedly looted, vandalized, and damaged properties, including a temple. The council estimates the damage at more than 1.5 million Bangladeshi Taka (over Rs 10 lakh), and reports suggest that many minority villagers fled their homes in fear.

The violence was reportedly triggered by allegations against Akash Das, a 20-year-old Hindu villager accused of blasphemy over a Facebook post. Though Mr. Das was arrested before the attacks occurred, the community backlash led to the violence.

In response to the incidents, the Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council issued a statement condemning the attacks and demanding immediate arrests of the perpetrators. The group also called for compensation and rehabilitation for the victims and stressed the need for "exemplary punishment" to prevent future violence.

Rising Tensions in Bangladesh

The attacks come amid heightened tensions surrounding the treatment of religious minorities in Bangladesh. The recent arrest of Hindu spiritual leader Chinmoy Krishna Das on sedition charges has further fueled concerns about the safety of minority communities. Despite calls from India for his release, Mr. Das remains in custody, prompting protests outside Bangladesh's Deputy High Commission in Kolkata and other Indian cities.

In a diplomatic response, Bangladesh summoned Shikder Mohammad Ashrafur Rahman, Acting Deputy High Commissioner in Kolkata, for consultations. Bangladesh also suspended consular services at its Assistant High Commission in Tripura after protesters breached the mission’s premises.

Yunus Government's Response

Amid the growing unrest, Muhammad Yunus, head of Bangladesh’s interim government, has attempted to address the concerns of minority communities. At a meeting with religious leaders, Yunus emphasized the importance of accurate reporting and called for greater collaboration to bridge gaps between reality and media narratives. He reaffirmed that all citizens of Bangladesh, regardless of faith, are entitled to equal rights and protection under the law.

Since the fall of Sheikh Hasina's Awami League government in August, over 200 attacks against the Hindu community have been reported across 50 districts, exacerbating tensions and fueling fears among the minority population.

As the situation continues to evolve, the Bangladesh government faces mounting pressure to take action to protect its religious minorities and restore calm to the nation.