Hindus Targeted in Bangladesh: Temples & Homes Attacked
In recent weeks, Bangladesh has witnessed a surge in violence against its Hindu minority, as protests against a quota system for government jobs have escalated into widespread rioting and looting. This unrest has resulted in the burning of temples and attacks on Hindu homes and businesses across the country.
Unprecedented Violence Across Bangladesh
The protests, which began in response to the government’s quota system, have rapidly intensified, leading to severe repercussions for the Hindu community. Mobs have attacked Hindu establishments in at least 27 districts, causing significant damage and looting. Reports indicate that at least 54 Hindu temples and businesses have been targeted.
In Meherpur, a district in the Khulna division, an ISKCON temple was set ablaze. The fire destroyed sacred deities, including Lord Jagannath, Baladev, and Subhadra Devi. According to ISKCON spokesperson Yudhistir Govinda Das, three devotees who were present at the temple managed to escape unharmed.
Casualties and Ongoing Destruction
The violence has resulted in numerous casualties. On one of the deadliest days, Sunday, over 100 people were reported dead. This included the lynching of Hindu councillor Haradhan Roy and another councillor, Kajal Roy. The lynching was confirmed by Sanjeev Sanyal, a member of the Economic Advisory Council of the Prime Minister, who expressed deep concern over the situation.
A video shared on social media shows a young girl in distress, pleading for help in Pirojpur district, while another video depicts a temple in Chittagong’s Navgraha Bari being burned by a violent mob.
Hindu Minority Under Siege
The Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council has reported that the attacks on Hindu places of worship and homes are the worst since the violent protests of 2021, which also targeted Hindu temples following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Bangladesh.
Hindus now constitute approximately 8% of Bangladesh’s population, down from 22% in 1951. According to the Hindu American Foundation, over 11 million Hindus have fled Bangladesh due to religious persecution between 1964 and 2013.
Concerns Over Hindu Refugees
The political upheaval in Bangladesh, marked by Sheikh Hasina’s departure and the potential rise of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Jamaat-e-Islami, raises concerns about a possible influx of Hindu refugees into neighboring India. West Bengal’s Leader of Opposition, Suvendu Adhikari, has warned of the need to prepare for a potential influx of up to 10 million Hindu refugees if the situation deteriorates further.
BJP leader Sunil Deodhar has emphasized the urgency of addressing the safety of Hindus in Bangladesh, highlighting that violence against Hindus is often a result of heightened tensions and anti-minority sentiments.
The ongoing violence against Hindus in Bangladesh represents a serious humanitarian crisis. With temples burned and homes looted, the situation is dire for the Hindu community. As the political landscape shifts, the international community watches closely, and the possibility of a significant refugee crisis looms. The need for urgent intervention and support for the affected communities is critical.
