Dhaka, August 2024 — the collapse of Sheikh Hasina’s government earlier this month has triggered a surge in violence against religious minorities across Bangladesh. Reports from minority communities, including Hindus, Buddhists, Christians, and the Ahmadiya Muslim sect, depict a harrowing landscape of persecution, with homes, businesses, and places of worship being systematically targeted by mobs. Many fear that the worst is yet to come as the new interim government struggles to maintain order.
Sathya, a Hindu resident of Chittagong, shared with Fox News Digital that while the previous Hasina administration was far from ideal, it provided some semblance of protection for minorities—a “lesser evil” as he described it. However, in the current climate of lawlessness, he fears for his community’s survival. “Hindus have always been scapegoats, blamed whenever there was an economic crisis or political issue,” Sathya remarked, highlighting the ongoing struggles of his community in the face of rampant land-grabbing and unchecked violence.
the scale of violence is alarming. Deccan Herald reported that since Hasina fled the country, over 278 Hindu-owned properties have been ransacked. Despite the establishment of a hotline for minority communities, those seeking help often find no one on the end of the line.
The Ahmadiyya Muslim community, which has long faced persecution from the Sunni majority, is also increasingly under threat. Ali, an Ahmadiya, expressed a deepening sense of insecurity: “Our group has also been increasingly targeted just like Hindus and or religious minorities.”
Bangladesh, a nation with a 90% Muslim population, has seen growing concerns about the safety of its minorities. This instability has caught the attention of neighboring India, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reportedly pressed Bangladesh’s interim leader, Professor Muhammad Yunus, to ensure the protection of all citizens, especially vulnerable minorities. Modi reaffirmed India’s commitment to supporting a “democratic, stable, peaceful, and progressive Bangladesh.”
However, the reality on the ground remains grim. Many citizens, including those who have fled to the United States, describe a homeland descending into chaos, where minorities are left to fend for themselves. “Re is no law and order,” said one Bangladeshi expatriate. “Hindus have to stay vigilant, especially at night, worried that our homes will be raided and looted.”
The Christian community in Bangladesh, though small, faces severe persecution, with Open Doors ranking the country as having “very high” levels of discrimination against Christians. Converts to Christianity, in particular, are often forced to practice their faith in secret, fearing violent repercussions.
political unrest that led to Hasina’s downfall was marked by widespread protests, particularly among students disillusioned with Awami League’s long-standing dominance. interim government, led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, now faces the immense challenge of steering the country through this period of turmoil. With fresh elections scheduled for November, there is hope for a new political landscape, but the immediate priority must be the restoration of order and protection of all Bangladeshis, regardless of their religious beliefs.
As Bangladesh stands at this critical juncture, the international community must remain vigilant and proactive in ensuring that the rights and safety of its minorities are not further eroded. the world cannot afford to turn a blind eye to the crisis unfolding in this troubled nation.
