In certain regions of Bangladesh, a phenomenon commonly labeled as ‘Land Jihad’ is unfolding. Hindu families residing in Muslim-majority areas are reportedly facing threats, harassment, and coercion, compelling them to abandon their homes. Recent accounts reveal that numerous Hindu families in Shailkupa upazila, situated in the Khulna division of Bangladesh, have been pressured to evacuate their residences. To escape religious persecution, these families have been compelled to sell their properties at significantly reduced prices.
Encroachment and accusations in Shailkupa
According to a Kalbela News report, the minority community is currently under threat from Islamists, leading to the migration of several Hindu families to different regions of the country. A notable example is the encroachment upon the residence of the late Hindu man, Satyendranath Saha, where a four-story building was erected.
Shamim Hossain Mollah, Chairman of the ‘Jubo League’ in Shailkupa upazila, and his father, Sabdar Hossain Mollah, face accusations of trespassing on the property of the Hindu family. It is worth noting that the ‘Jubo League’ is the youth wing of the Bangladesh Awami League party, led by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
While discussing the issue, Satyendranath Saha’s daughter-in-law revealed that the ‘Jubo League’ leader forcibly took over their house and a Kali Mandir (temple). Despite lodging complaints with the local Member of Parliament, Mohammed Abdul Hyee, who is also a leader of the Bangladesh Awami League party in the Jhenaidah constituency, no action has been taken against the accused.
Notably, as reported by Kalbela News, the case of Satyendranath Saha is just one among many instances where minority Hindu families have lost their properties due to encroachment by influential Muslim leaders in the area. This organised ‘land jihad’ involves politicians and political workers who, in their efforts to coerce Hindu residents of Shailkupa into selling their homes, resort to threats, assaults, and even vandalism of Hindu temples.
Temple desecration and Idol vandalism
On November 6, an incident of temple desecration and idol vandalism surfaced in the Bijulia village of Shailkupa upazila. Upon being informed, local Hindus promptly notified the police. A similar incident of idol vandalism had occurred in October 2022.
The orchestration of these acts was attributed to Islamists operating under the supervision of a leader associated with the Chhatra League, the student wing of the Bangladesh Awami League.
Reflecting on the situation, a local Hindu woman remarked, “Last year, they vandalised the idol of Goddess Kali, even discarding the deity’s head. With an upcoming election in the country, I hope such incidents will not be repeated this time. I aspire for a peaceful coexistence.”
Political inaction and pleas for justice
In April of this year, the Puja Committee in Shailkupa explicitly requested the Bangladesh Awami League not to grant an election ticket to Mohammed Abdul Hyee due to his perceived inaction regarding atrocities against the Hindu community.
Local Hindu leaders have appealed to Sheikh Hasina, urging her not to endorse election candidates with a track record of protecting individuals involved in temple desecration, home destruction, and idol vandalism.
As reported by Kalbela News, the Hindu community in Shailkupa upazila has been contending with threats of eviction from influential Islamists for the past fifteen years.
An organised protest march led by the Hindu community faced an assault in the Nazrul Avenue area of the Comilla metropolis in Bangladesh. The incident occurred on Friday, October 13, at 11 a.m.
Threats, assaults, and ‘Land Jihad’ tactics
In footage shared on YouTube by Global Television, members of the Hindu community were observed seeking refuge as the attack unfolded. According to reports, a total of five individuals, including one woman, sustained injuries in the incident. Notably, one of them suffered severe head injuries. Among the identified victims are Aditya Das, Sunil Das, and Tanmoy Das.
The protest was organised by the Bangladesh Youth Unity Council, Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council (HBCUC), Student Unity Council, and Women Unity Council in response to objectionable remarks made by Awami League MP Bahauddin Bahar from the Comilla-6 constituency regarding Durga Puja.
As reported by Rana Das Gupta, the General Secretary of the Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council, Bahauddin derogatorily referred to the annual Hindu Bengali festival as ‘Madjukto Puja’ (festival of alcohol) on October 4th this year. The Awami League MP also asserted that a reduction in alcohol consumption would lead to a decrease in the number of Puja pandals. Moreover, on Thursday, October 12th, he once again linked ‘Durga Puja with alcohol’.
Controversial remarks and protest against Durga Puja
On September 28, Munshiganj district Mayor Faisal Biplab used derogatory terms such as ‘malaun’ (a slur against Hindus), ‘nopungshak’ (impotent), and ‘chandal’ (a derogatory term for Dalits) to refer to Hindu MP Mrinal Kanti Das.
In response to the offensive targeting of Hindu festivals, members of the community organised a protest march, demanding action against the Awami League MP. Regrettably, the demonstration reportedly faced an attack from Islamists affiliated with the ‘Chhatra League’ and ‘Jubo League’.
