Systematic Violence Against the Hindu Community in Bangladesh: Causes, Consequences, and the Need for Global Awareness

Introduction

The tormenting events of Partition in 1947, conduct the history of violence against Hindus in Bangladesh. During the division of British India, East Bengal became part of Pakistan as East Pakistan, putting  Hindus to the status of a minority in a Muslim-majority nation. The upheaval displaced millions and left Hindu communities exposed to systemic discrimination and isolation. During the Bangladesh Liberation War of 1971, the Hindu population was targeted with alarming brutality by the Pakistani military and their collaborators. Hindus, who were perceived as sympathetic to Indian intervention, faced genocidal violence that included mass killings, sexual violence against women, and widespread destruction of property. Estimates suggest that over three million people were killed during the war, amongst which Hindus formed a significant portion with countless others forced to flee to India, drastically altering the demographic composition of the region.

The promise of secularism, post-independence, in Bangladesh’s 1972 Constitution offered a ray of hope for the Hindus. However, this vision was systematically destroyed in the subsequent years, particularly through amendments that incorporated Islam as the state religion, further marginalizing non-Muslim communities. Hindus became frequent targets of communal violence, with their homes and temples desecrated or destroyed during riots. Discriminatory laws like the Vested Property Act allowed the seizure of Hindu-owned land, pushing many into economic displacement. These challenges were accompanied by periodic communal riots. The violence, often accompanied by a lack of accountability and justice, underscored the systemic discrimination embedded in the country’s socio-political fabric.

The Direct Action Day riots of 1946 in Calcutta, represents the historical seed which set the tone for communal violence in the region. Post-1971, targeted attacks on Hindu temples and festivals became increasingly common, with incidents like the 2021 Durga Puja riots highlighting the persistent vulnerability of the community. These attacks, fueled by religious intolerance and political manipulation, further weakened the Hindu population, contributing to a steady decline in their demographic and cultural presence in Bangladesh. Despite interventions by the international community and advocacy groups, the plight of Hindus remains a pressing issue, deeply compounded with the historical, political, and religious dynamics of the region. The enduring violence reflects not only the scars of Partition and war but also the persistent failure to safeguard the rights of minority communities in a polarized society[1].

In the heart of Bangladesh’s socio-political landscape lies a troubling dynamic, where violence against Hindus often transcends simple communal discord, weaving itself into the complex web of political instability and opportunism. Recent unrest has highlighted how the Hindu minority, has become an easy target during times of upheaval. This relationship between political allegiances and communal tensions paints a graver picture of systemic vulnerability. As Bangladesh deals with transitions in governance, particularly the recent political vacuum following Sheikh Hasina's ouster, the Hindu community finds itself trapped in a dangerous situation. Hindus are frequently scapegoated by opposing forces aiming to consolidate power. Opportunistic attacks often combine with broader political turbulence, making it clear that these acts are not single coincidental incidents of religious intolerance but calculated moves in a larger game of political manoeuvring.

Many attacks on Hindus are not just by ideological conflicts but by the desire of material gain. Land grabs, looting, and property seizures are common under the guise of communal unrest, exploiting the community's lack of representation and institutional support. These systemic issues create a vicious cycle of fear and disenfranchisement, leaving Hindus further marginalized in their own homeland. This climate of insecurity grows on the amplification of minor incidents, manipulated to ignite larger-scale violence. In many cases, false narratives are spread through social media or political propaganda that escalate tensions, transforming localized disputes into national crises. Such weaponization of misinformation huglights the critical role of responsible governance in curbing these trends. The plight of Hindus in Bangladesh cannot be reduced to religious animosity alone. It is a product of deeper fractures within the nation's socio-political fabric. To break this cycle, Bangladesh must solvethe broader issues of political exploitation, economic inequality, and institutional bias that perpetuate violence. Only by addressing these root causes they canmove towards a future where minorities are not players in a political chess game but equal stakeholders in a truly inclusive democracy[2].

In a distressing incident that underscores the persistent challenges faced by religious minorities in Bangladesh, three Hindu temples in Chattogram were vandalized by a mob on November 29, 2024. The attacks targeted the Shantaneshwari Matri Temple, the Shoni Temple, and the Shantaneshwari Kalibari Temple, all located in the Harish Chandra Munsef Lane area. Eyewitnesses reported that the assailants, numbering in the hundreds, emerged from a nearby mosque after Friday prayers, chanting slogans against Hindus and the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON). This act of vandalism is not a single  event but part of a troubling pattern of violence against Hindu places of worship in Bangladesh. Such incidents not only violate the sanctity of religious sites but also instill fear and insecurity among minority communities. The deliberate targeting of temples during  time of prayer highlights the perpetrators' intent tothreaten and disrupt the religious practices of Hindus in the region.

The international community must unite together to condemn these acts of violence. It is a duty of the Bangladeshi authorities to take swift and decisive action to bring the victims justice and to implement measures that can ensure the protection of religious minorities especially Hindus. Failure to address such incidents instills a climate of restlessness and undermines the principles of religious freedom and tolerance. In support of  the affected communities, we must raise awareness about these injustices and advocate for a society where individuals can practice their faith without any fear. The preservation of religious harmony is essential for any nation, and it is the collective responsibility of both the government and civil society to uphold these values[3].

The international community has expressed deep concern over the recent violence against Hindus and other minority communities in Bangladesh. In July 2024, United Nations experts urgently called on the Bangladeshi government to cease violent crackdowns against protesters and political opponents, emphasizing the need for accountability for human rights violations. Amnesty International has also highlighted the escalating attacks against Hindu, Ahmadi, and other minority communities, asking the interim government to conduct swift, thorough, and impartial investigations. They stress that those responsible should be prosecuted in fair and transparent trials, without resorting to the death penalty.

The United States and the United Kingdom have condemned the violence, calling for respect for human rights and the protection of minorities. In response to these concerns, Bangladesh and India have engaged in diplomatic talks focused at decreasing the escalating tensions. Foreign secretaries from both nations met in Dhaka to address issues including the arrest of a Hindu spiritual leader and attacks on minority Hindus in Bangladesh. The discussions stresssed on the importance of mutual respect and sensitivity to each other's concerns, with both parties aiming to find a resolution to prevent further escalation. Despite these international responses, reports indicate that anti-Hindu violence has been a recurrent event in Bangladesh, with Hindus making up less than 10% of the population.

The international community continues to monitor the situation closely, urging the Bangladeshi authorities to take immediate and effective measures to protect minority communities and uphold human rights[4]. To address communal violence in Bangladesh, Amnesty International's report outlines several critical policy recommendations aimed at protecting minorities, particularly Hindus, and fostering long-term peace. These recommendations are crucial not only for ensuring justice for the victims of the 2021 attacks but also for preventing future violence.

1. Strengthening Legal Protections for Minorities

The Bangladeshi government needs to introduce legal protections for religious and ethnic minorities. Suggestions include making sure that laws protecting freedom of religion and rights to non-discrimination are rigorously enforced. Strengthening the legal framework also involves reviewing and amending any existing laws that allow for discrimination, ensuring they are in line with UNHR standards.

2. Accountability for Perpetrators

Perpetrators, should be held accountable for their heinous actions which are not against one single religious community but against society, against humanity itself. Hurting and causing harm to someone only on the fact of them practicing a different religion is disturbing and sets a wrong example for the future generations to come who must be taught kindness and empathy, killing innocent men, women and children is absurd and shall be punished accordingly.

3. Preventive Measures to Combat Hate Speech and Incitement

Any type of violence, especially violence committed by a group or public in general is a result of a provocation which in today’s time is hate speech and wrongful incitement which alters people’s mindset, fueling ego and resentment against people who have done no harm to them. Any political, religious or socal leader who incites such violence should be punished and such activities should have strict penalties which might result in less violence.

4. Enhanced Security for Minority Communities

Almost every secular country, including India, ensures that minority rights are upheld and that there exists no discrimination whatsoever. In such tormenting times of violence, enhanced protection of innocent victims must be ensured to promote and propagate humanity and ensure a safe society for such victims of violence.

5. Promoting Interfaith Dialogue

Promoting interfaith dialogue especially between popular religious leaders asking them to spread message of peace and harmony against other religions will have a significant impact as religious leaders hold a great importance in influencing people’s beliefs, ideals and outlook.

6. Social and Economic Support for Affected Communities

Victims of house breaking, looting, loss of family members, limb and economic losses put a person’s lifetime years back, hence providing them with social and economic support is vital for their rehabilitation .

7. Public Awareness Campaigns

The government can launch campaigns to promote tolerance, respect for diversity, and understanding among different communities. Public education campaigns, media collaborations, and community outreach programs can highlight the importance of unity and peace. 

8. International Cooperation and Monitoring

Bangladesh should collaborate with international human rights organizations, UN bodies, and regional partners to receive guidance and support in ensuring the protection of minorities. Allowing international organizations to monitor human rights conditions and assess the situation can contribute to greater accountability and adherence to international standards[5].

Conclusion

To end communal violence in Bangladesh, there must be a multi-faceted approach that not only focuses on immediate security measures but also addresses the deeper social, legal, and political factors that perpetuate violence. Amnesty International’s recommendations focus on legal reforms, security improvements, community initiatives, and international cooperation to build a society where all citizens, regardless of their religious or ethnic background, can live free from violence and discrimination.

References

1. Organiser, Violence Against Hindus in Bangladesh: A Detailed History (Organiser, 19 August 2024) https://organiser.org/2024/08/19/252460/politics/violence-against-hindus-in-bangladesh-a-detailed-history/ accessed 16 December 2024.
2. The Hindu, Attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh Not a Communal Issue but Exaggerated: Muhammad Yunus (The Hindu, 16 December 2024) https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/attacks-on-hindus-in-bangladesh-not-communal-issue-exaggerated-muhammad-yunus/article68608994.ece accessed 16 December 2024.
3. The Hindu, Three Hindu Temples in Bangladesh’s Chattogram Vandalised (The Hindu, 2 December 2024) https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/three-hindu-temples-in-bangladeshs-chattogram-vandalised/article68928931.ece accessed 16 December 2024.
4. United Nations, Bangladesh: UN Experts Call for Immediate End to Violent Crackdown and Full Accountability for Human Rights Violations (United Nations, 2024) https://www.ohchr.org/en/press-releases/2024/07/bangladesh-un-experts-call-immediate-end-violent-crackdown-and-full accessed 17 December 2024.
5. Amnesty International, ‘Bangladesh: Protection of Hindus and Others Must Be Ensured Amid Ongoing Violence’ (Amnesty International, 13 October 2021) https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2021/10/bangladesh-protection-of-hindus-and-others-must-be-ensured-amid-ongoing-violence accessed 17 December 2024.
6. Author unknown, ‘The Bangladesh Genocide 7: Eradicating Hinduism’ (Bitter Winter, undated) https://bitterwinter.org/the-bangladesh-genocide-7-eradicating-hinduism/ accessed 19 December 2024.
7. The Hindu, ‘Hindus in Bangladesh Are Facing Violence for No Reason, Says Mohan Bhagwat’ (The Hindu, 6 December 2024) https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/hindus-in-bangladesh-are-facing-violence-for-no-reason-says-mohan-bhagwat/article68529408.ece accessed 19 December 2024.
8. Al Jazeera, ‘“Our Lives Don’t Matter”: In Post-Hasina Bangladesh, Hindus Fear Future’ (Al Jazeera, 12 December 2024) https://www.aljazeera.com/features/2024/12/12/our-lives-dont-matter-in-post-hasina-bangladesh-hindus-fear-future accessed 19 December 2024.
9. The Hindu, ‘Violence in Bangladesh After Hasina’s Ouster Stirs Fear Within Hindu Minority in Country’ (The Hindu, 11 December 2024) https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/violence-in-bangladesh-after-hasinas-ouster-stirs-fear-within-hindu-minority-in-country/article68523564.ece accessed 19 December 2024.
10. The Hindu, ‘Commonwealth Group Flags Assaults on Indigenous People in Bangladesh’ (The Hindu, 18 December 2024) https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/commonwealth-group-flags-assaults-on-indigenous-people-in-bangladesh/article68969411.ece accessed 19 December 2024.
11. The Wire, ‘Violence Against Hindus in Bangladesh, Boost to Islamophobia in India’ (The Wire, undated) https://thewire.in/south-asia/violence-against-hindus-in-bangladesh-boost-to-islamophobia-in-india accessed 19 December 2024.
12. The Hindu, ‘Attacks on Minorities in Bangladesh: Indian-American Body Urges Biden, Trump to Intervene’ (The Hindu, 15 December 2024) https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/attacks-on-minorities-in-bangladesh-indian-american-body-urges-biden-trump-to-intervene/article68920585.ece accessed 19 December 2024.

[1] Organiser, Violence Against Hindus in Bangladesh: A Detailed History (Organiser, 19 August 2024) https://organiser.org/2024/08/19/252460/politics/violence-against-hindus-in-bangladesh-a-detailed-history/ accessed 16 December 2024.

[2] The Hindu, Attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh Not a Communal Issue but Exaggerated: Muhammad Yunus (The Hindu, 16 December 2024) https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/attacks-on-hindus-in-bangladesh-not-communal-issue-exaggerated-muhammad-yunus/article68608994.ece accessed 16 December 2024.

[3] The Hindu, Three Hindu Temples in Bangladesh’s Chattogram Vandalised (The Hindu, 2 December 2024) https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/three-hindu-temples-in-bangladeshs-chattogram-vandalised/article68928931.ece accessed 16 December 2024.

[4] United Nations, Bangladesh: UN Experts Call for Immediate End to Violent Crackdown and Full Accountability for Human Rights Violations (United Nations, 2024) https://www.ohchr.org/en/press-releases/2024/07/bangladesh-un-experts-call-immediate-end-violent-crackdown-and-full accessed 17 December 2024.

[5] Amnesty International, ‘Bangladesh: Protection of Hindus and Others Must Be Ensured Amid Ongoing Violence’ (Amnesty International, 13 October 2021) https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2021/10/bangladesh-protection-of-hindus-and-others-must-be-ensured-amid-ongoing-violence accessed 17 December 2024.

Isha Patel