Bangladesh Sees Surge in Attacks on Minorities Under Interim Government: 2,442 Incidents Reported in 11 Months

World News: Bangladesh has witnessed a troubling rise in targeted violence against minority communities—particularly Hindus—since the establishment of an interim government following the ouster of Sheikh Hasina’s administration. According to a recent report released by the Hindu-Buddhist-Christian Unity Council, as many as 2,442 communal incidents were recorded across the country between August 4, 2024, and June 2025.

Violence Intensified in Early August

During a press conference held at the National Press Club in Dhaka, the council revealed that a significant number of these incidents occurred in the initial weeks following the power transition. Between August 4 and August 20, numerous temples were vandalized, places of worship were attacked, and homes and shops belonging to minority families were looted and set ablaze.

The report also documented serious human rights violations, including cases of gang rape, targeted murders, wrongful arrests on religious grounds, and social boycotts imposed on minority groups.

Justice Elusive for Victims

One of the most alarming findings of the report is that most of the perpetrators remain free, with very few arrests made so far. In many cases, the council claimed, first information reports (FIRs) were not even registered, leaving victims—men, women, and children—without legal recourse or protection.

Despite the gravity of the allegations, the interim government has dismissed the findings, labeling them as “politically motivated propaganda” propagated by opposition groups. However, ground-level reports suggest that the concerns may be far from exaggerated.

Reform Efforts Ignoring Minorities

Council leader Normal Rosario criticized the interim government for excluding minorities from key reform initiatives. “There has been no meaningful involvement of minority groups in the government's policies. This exclusion raises questions about the sincerity of its reform agenda,” he said.

Another council member, Nimchandra Bhowmik, added that the administration is “deliberately overlooking” the systematic discrimination and violence faced by minorities. He called for urgent judicial action and international attention.

Demographic Context

As per the 2022 national census, Hindus make up 7.95% of Bangladesh’s population, making them the largest religious minority. Buddhists constitute 0.61%, while Christians account for 0.30%. Despite their numbers, the report indicates that these communities face increasing marginalization and insecurity.

Time for Action, Not Denial

The revelations in this report reflect a widening gap in protection and justice for Bangladesh’s minority populations. If left unaddressed, this trend could erode the country’s democratic values and global reputation.

The critical question now is: Will the interim government step up to safeguard all its citizens equally—or continue to prioritize power over justice?