Breaking the Silence: The Endangered Hindu Minority in Bangladesh

ABSTRACT

This article highlights the increasing struggles of Hindu minority in Bangladesh, especially after recent political changes. When Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigned in 2024, it led to violence with attacks on temples, homes, and businesses, leaving people living in fear. Stories from those affected show the pain and fear they live with every day. It explains how these problems are tied to political instability, fake news, and divisions in society. It also highlights how the violence has harmed Bangladesh’s relationships with India and Pakistan, bringing global attention to the struggles of minorities. Ultimately, the article urges people to come together and look past religious differences, focusing on common goals like education, equality, and peace. It highlights the importance of understanding, inclusive policies, and teamwork to build a future where everyone can live together peacefully.

INTRODUCTION

The Hindu community in Bangladesh, making up about 8% of the population, has faced ongoing discrimination, violence, and social exclusion. These struggles worsen during times of political instability, when community tensions rise, and violent attacks become more frequent. Recently, these issues have surfaced once again, with reports of attacks on Hindu homes, businesses, and temples spreading fear and insecurity throughout the community. The ongoing violence has highlighted just how vulnerable they are in an increasingly harsh and unsafe environment. Bangladesh, a nation founded on the principles of equality and secularism, is now facing growing criticism over its ability to protect its minority communities. The violence against Hindus goes beyond religious intolerance, as it is deeply connected to political, economic, and social factors. The mix of political instability, misinformation campaigns, and long-standing historical conflicts has made Hindus vulnerable, turning them into easy targets during the time of crisis.

The document goes into detail about the history of Hindu mistreatment in Bangladesh, the recent waves of violence, and the social and political factors that are causing these attacks. It looks closely at how the Bangladeshi government, the international community, and civil society have responded to these issues. By focusing on these topics, the document aims to highlight the urgency of addressing the difficulties faced by the Hindu community and ensuring that Bangladesh keeps its promises to human rights, pluralism, and justice for everyone.

INCIDENT REPORT : WHAT HAPPENED AND WHY ?

Since Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigned on August 5, 2024, Bangladesh has seen a rise in violence aimed at its Hindu minority community. In the 16 days following her resignation, more than 2,000 incidents were reported, including attacks on 69 temples. These attacks involved vandalism, looting, and setting fire to homes and businesses, causing widespread fear and displacement among Hindus. Since Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigned on August 5, 2024, Bangladesh has witnessed a dramatic increase in violence targeting its Hindu minority community. In the 16 days following her resignation, more than 2,000 incidents were reported, including attacks on 69 temples. These acts of violence included vandalism, looting, and setting homes and businesses on fire. As a result, the Hindu community is living in fear, facing displacement and uncertainty about their safety.

A particularly concerning event was the arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das, a well-known Hindu monk linked to the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON). He was detained on sedition charges (accused of inciting opposition to the government), and his arrest has been strongly criticized by global leaders and organizations. For example, U.S. singer Mary Millben called on world leaders to speak out against the attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh after Das's arrest. The interim (temporary) government, led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, has faced criticism for its response to the situation. Yunus has called for unity and non-violence, stressing the importance of protecting all citizens and preventing the country from falling into chaos.

Internationally, the situation has created tensions between Bangladesh and neighbouring India. In New Delhi, hundreds of people protested near the Bangladeshi embassy, demanding an end to the attacks on Hindus and other minorities. Former Indian diplomats and leaders have expressed strong concerns about the ongoing and severe nature of these attacks. The violence has also been discussed in international forums. During a session in the UK Parliament, concerns were raised about the attacks on the Hindu community in Bangladesh, highlighting the need for the Bangladeshi government to ensure the safety. Despite these criticisms, the Hindu community in Bangladesh continues to live in fear, with many attempting to seek refuge across the border in India. However, reports suggest that both Indian and Bangladeshi border guards have denied entry to those fleeing, leaving them in a dangerous and uncertain situation. The ongoing violence highlights the urgent need for effective measures to protect minority communities in Bangladesh and to address the underlying political and social tensions contributing to these attacks.

FLASHBACKS : WHERE IT ALL ACTUALLY STARTED 

The recent rise in violence against Hindus in Bangladesh is closely connected to several socio-political events that have taken place over the past year. One of the key incidents that contributed to the current situation is:

1. The 2024 Bangladesh Quota Reform Movement

In early 2024, students across the country began protesting against the government's quota system for public sector jobs. They believed that the system was unfair, as it prioritized certain groups over merit, limiting opportunities for others. In response, the government used force to control the protests, which led to more tension. This eventually turned into a larger movement, with people expressing their frustration not just over the quota system, but also over other systemic issues in the country.

2. Political Unrest and Leadership Changes

In addition to the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, several other political problems added to the growing instability in Bangladesh. The country had been facing increasing tension between the main political parties, with protests and clashes becoming more common. Many people were also frustrated with widespread corruption, as it seemed like politicians were more interested in keeping their power than solving the country’s real problems. The media and opposition parties often faced restrictions, making it difficult for people to speak out or share their opinions freely. These issues created a sense of distrust among the public, and some extremist groups took advantage of the chaos, making the situation even more unstable.

In response to attacks on homes, businesses, and places of worship, communities in Bangladesh organized large protests, demanding better protection and justice for the victims. As the situation worsened, protests spread beyond Bangladesh’s borders. Activists and citizens from countries like India, Nepal, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada held rallies to show solidarity with the victims and call for international attention to the issue. These protests highlighted the growing concern over religious violence and the need for stronger measures to protect vulnerable communities.

Several prominent international political figures spoke out against the violence. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi criticized the attacks, calling for immediate action to protect minorities. In the United States, Congresswoman Ilhan Omar expressed concern over the escalating violence, urging the U.S. government to press Bangladesh for better protection of all its citizens. Leaders from the European Union also issued statements calling for greater religious tolerance and human rights protections.

3. Anti-Hindu Violence and Protests

In Bangladesh, the protests grew larger as people from all walks of life came together to demand action. One of the most noticeable protests took place in Dhaka, where people held a huge sit-in outside government buildings, blocking important roads. They called on the government to protect minority communities. The protesters held banners and chanted for justice, asking for the resignation of officials who were seen as not doing enough. In other cities, people formed human chains to show unity and stand together against the violence. These acts of protest caught the attention of the international media, spreading the message and raising awareness about what was happening in Bangladesh.

4. Arrest of Hindu Leaders

The arrest of Hindu leaders made the situation even worse. Chinmoy Krishna Das, a Hindu monk, was detained, which led to strong international criticism. Other Hindu leaders, like Rajib Kundu, a well-known activist, and Partha Ghosh, a local community leader, were also arrested. Their arrests made many people fear that the government was targeting Hindus and silencing their voices. The charges against these leaders were seen by many as an attempt to silence opposition and weaken the influence of Hindu leaders in Bangladesh.

5. The Role of Bangladesh’s Youth in the Crisis

The youth of Bangladesh have played a key role in the protests, especially after the violence against Hindus and other minorities started to grow. Many young people, especially students, took to the streets to demand that the government act and protect religious minorities.

These young people have been speaking out about the violence, calling for change and justice. They’ve used social media to organize protests, share information, and raise awareness. Their efforts, both in the streets and online, have made them an important part of the movement for peace and fairness in Bangladesh.

6. Role of Social Media in Mobilizing Protests

Social media has played a big role in organizing protests and spreading awareness about the violence against Hindus in Bangladesh. Activists and concerned people have used platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram to plan rallies, share updates, and tell the stories of those affected. Hashtags like #JusticeForHindus, #BangladeshViolence, and #SaveHindus have gained attention worldwide, pushing both the Bangladeshi government and the global community to take action. This online activism has helped connect local protesters with international human rights groups, creating more support and solidarity.

The demographics of Hindu population throughout the years are mentioned below :

Image

                                                                                   (Source: Wikipedia)

VOICES FROM THE PERSECUTED: PERSONAL ACCOUNTS OF HINDUS IN BANGLADESH

The Hindu community in Bangladesh has always faced challenges, but recent waves of violence have made life even harder. Through the voices of those affected—whether religious leaders or ordinary citizens—we hear the fear and pain that now shape their everyday lives. Their stories are filled with suffering, frustration, and a deep desire for peace. These personal accounts give us a glimpse into the harsh realities faced by Hindus in Bangladesh, showing the emotional toll of the violence and their hope for a future where they can practice their faith without fear.

1. Chinmoy Krishna Das, a well-known Hindu monk from ISKCON, spoke out about his pain regarding the situation, saying, "I never imagined a day would come when I would be wrongfully accused and arrested just for my faith. We are being silenced, oppressed, and attacked, but we will continue praying for peace. The world needs to know that we are suffering."
2. Lata Sharma, a schoolteacher from the Hindu minority, expressed her concern, saying, "Every day, I worry about my family's safety. The violence has taken away our peace, and we feel ignored in our own country. All we want is the right to live peacefully and practice our faith without fear."
3. Rajib Kundu, a prominent Hindu rights activist, shared his frustration, saying, "As a community, we have always stood for peace and unity, yet we are being targeted simply for being Hindus. The arrests, the violence—it’s all a reminder that our voices are not heard. We will not back down, no matter the cost."
4. Amit Roy, a shopkeeper from a Hindu minority neighborhood, spoke up, saying, "Every day, I worry if my shop will be attacked or if I’ll be harmed. We've always lived here peacefully, but now there's constant fear. All we want is to be left alone and live without fear of violence because of our faith."
5. Pandit Ramesh, a temple priest, shared his sorrow, saying, "My whole life has been dedicated to serving my community and the temple. But now, I fear for the safety of my fellow worshippers. The temple has been attacked, and I’ve seen the fear in people’s eyes. We just want to pray in peace, but it feels like we are no longer welcome in our own land. Still, we continue to hold our prayers, hoping for a better tomorrow."

REGIONAL TENSIONS: HOW VIOLENCE AGAINST HINDUS IN BANGLADESH AFFECTS PAKISTAN-BANGLADESH RELATIONS

The recent rise in violence against Hindus in Bangladesh has, in some ways, brought Bangladesh and Pakistan closer, but not in the way people might think. While the violence against religious minorities in Bangladesh has caused tension in the region, it has also aligned with Pakistan's views on the issue, due to its own political and ideological beliefs.

Pakistan and Bangladesh have a complex relationship, mainly due to the events of the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War. However, For Pakistan, the violence against Hindus in Bangladesh highlights what it sees as the failure of secularism in a Muslim-majority country. This situation gives Pakistan an opportunity to position itself as a defender of Muslim-majority nations and criticize Bangladesh for how it treats its minority communities. This fits into Pakistan’s long-held views, which have often been shaped by a deep-rooted animosity toward Hindus, especially after the partition of India and Pakistan in 1947.

ARE WE JUST HERE TO FIGHT ON RELIGIONS ?

That's the question every individual should ask themselves: Are we really meant to fight over religions, when they should be bringing us closer together? Ideally, religion should be a source of personal faith, spiritual growth, and a means of fostering understanding and compassion—not division and conflict. Yet, throughout history, religious differences have fueled some of the most intense and destructive conflicts, often driven by political struggles, cultural clashes, or misunderstandings.

Instead of fighting over religion, we should focus on its positive side—on the values it teaches us to live by. At its core, religion has always been about promoting love, kindness, and understanding. Every major religion emphasizes similar principles that can unite us, rather than divide us. And what not we humans can do ? 

“When we can come together and fight Poverty, Bury the Hate Speech and the Animosity, we the children of our beloved country, Put Democracy before Demon-Cracy”

Every existing religion taught us moral values,

For Example-

1. Hinduism promotes non-violence (Ahimsa), respect for all living beings, and the importance of compassion in all actions.

   1. Christianity teaches us to love our neighbours, forgive those who wrong us, and care for the poor and oppressed.
   2. Islam encourages peace, charity, and respect for all people, with a strong emphasis on community (Ummah) and helping those in need.
   3. Buddhism focuses on understanding others’ suffering, cultivating compassion, and striving for inner peace.

    

   A FUTURE BEYOND RELIGIOUS DIVIDES

   To create a more peaceful and united world, we need to focus on values like love, respect, and fairness, while rejecting extremism and intolerance. This means encouraging conversations between different religions, teaching people about religious diversity, and making sure everyone has the freedom to practice their faith without fear. Embracing secularism, where all beliefs are treated equally, is also important for unity. By taking these steps, we can build a society where religious differences bring people together rather than divide them.

   Steps Toward Unity :

   1. Promote Interfaith Dialogue: One of the best ways to reduce religious conflict is by encouraging understanding. Interfaith dialogue brings people from different religions together to share their beliefs, traditions, and values. This helps create empathy and reduces the "us vs. them" mindset that often causes conflicts. We should focus on creating more opportunities for these conversations, whether in schools, local communities, or national discussions.

2. Focus on Shared Values: No matter what religion we follow, most of us want the same things: peace, safety, love, and respect. We should focus on these common values instead of letting our differences separate us. Whether it's helping the poor, seeking justice, or promoting peace, these shared goals can bring us together far more than our religious differences can divide us.
3. Education for Tolerance and Respect: Education plays an important role in how we view others. By teaching young people about different religions and the values we all share, we can help stop the spread of hate and intolerance. Religious education should focus on the principles of peace, kindness, and respect for everyone, no matter what they believe.
4. Rejecting Extremism and Intolerance: We must firmly reject religious extremism, which takes religious teachings and uses them for violent purposes. Leaders, both religious and political, should be held responsible for spreading hate or division in the name of religion. We need to work together to speak out against the misuse of religion to justify violence.
5. Focus on Human Rights and Freedom of Religion: Every person should have the right to practice their religion freely, without fear of persecution or discrimination. Governments and organizations must ensure these rights are protected and that religious minorities are treated with dignity and equality. Protecting religious freedom should be a priority for all countries, as it is a basic human right.

6. Embrace Secularism with Respect: In places where religion and politics are separate, secularism can prevent one religion from taking control of public life. Secularism doesn’t mean rejecting religion; it means respecting everyone’s right to follow their own faith without forcing it on others. It’s about creating a society where all beliefs are respected and treated equally.

   CONCLUSION

   In conclusion, if we don't put an end to religious extremism, there will always be blood on our shoes as we walk through a world divided by hatred, where the cost of ignorance and intolerance is paid in lives lost and futures shattered. The situation in Bangladesh reminds us that lasting peace cannot come from violence, hatred, or division. While religion is an important part of many cultures, it should never be a reason to fight. The problems we face today—whether it’s religious violence, discrimination, or political instability—are often caused by fear, ignorance, and the misuse of power. The real solution lies in addressing the deeper issues that create these divisions—like educating people, fostering understanding, and encouraging open dialogue. By building respect for one another, accepting differences, and protecting the rights of all people, we can begin to heal the divisions that separate us. True peace is not just about stopping violence, but also about creating spaces where everyone, no matter their background, can live, grow, and celebrate their differences. As Martin Luther King jr beautifully said-     

   “Darkness Cannot Drive Out Darkness; Only Light Can Do That. Hate Cannot Drive Out Hatred; Only Love Can Do That”

   Moving forward, we should focus on building connections instead of walls, and remember that our shared humanity is the key to a more united and peaceful world.

   Peace !

    

References 

1. BBC News. "Violence against minorities in Bangladesh."
   Available at: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia
2. The Guardian. "Bangladesh turmoil as Sheikh Hasina resigns."
   Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/world/bangladesh
3. International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON). "Press Release on Chinmoy Krishna Das."
   Available at: https://www.iskcon.org
4. Dhaka Tribune. "Quota reform protests and government crackdown."
   Available at: https://www.dhakatribune.com
5. Al Jazeera. "UN raises concerns over violence against minorities in Bangladesh."
   Available at: https://www.aljazeera.com

6. Associated Press : Bangladeshi court denies bail to Hindu leader who led rallies for minority protection

   Direct Link: https://apnews.com/article/bangladesh-prabhu-hindu-leader-arrest-hasina-yunus-40bbfeb0096e0212d220e31966f25d97

7. Wikipedia - 2024 Bangladesh anti-Hindu violence

Direct Link: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024_Bangladesh_anti-Hindu_violence

8. Le Monde: Bangladesh's Hindu community fears it will pay the costs of the 'r

Atharva Sanjay Warankar

MIT Arts Commerce Science College Pune

Email-mailtoatharvawarankar@gmail.com