Web Desk
The escalating violence against Hindu minorities in Bangladesh has drawn attention across South Asia, including India. Tensions erupted following the sedition charge against a Hindu monk, Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari, who has been accused of undermining national sentiments by displaying saffron flags. This controversy triggered widespread unrest, with mobs attacking Hindu properties, businesses, and temples, including a notable ISKCON temple in Noakhali.
Reports indicate that over 27 districts witnessed mob violence, with homes looted and Hindu families forced to flee their villages. In one harrowing incident, sacred deities were desecrated, and an ISKCON devotee lost his life during the riots. Leaders of Hindu communities in Bangladesh have urged for immediate governmental intervention and the establishment of legal mechanisms to protect minorities.
These attacks are unfolding amidst a broader political crisis in Bangladesh, with allegations that extremist factions are exploiting the political instability to target minorities. Protest rallies demanding minority protection and stricter laws have been staged across the nation. Hindu leaders argue that despite decades of assurances, successive Bangladeshi governments have failed to safeguard their community. Reports show a sharp decline in the Hindu population of Bangladesh, from 22% in 1951 to less than 8% today, illustrating the gravity of the issue
In India, political leaders and social activists are calling for stronger diplomatic efforts to address these atrocities. Many have criticized the international community’s muted response, urging global organizations to press for the rights and safety of minorities in Bangladesh.
