Exodus in Bangladesh: 25 Hindu families flee amid election violence, seek refuge in West Bengal

A shocking report has been published in The Northeast News that sheds light on the dire situation faced by Hindu families in Bangladesh, particularly during election periods, when tensions escalate, and Islamist mobs unleash violence targeting minority communities. Despite the sparse media coverage by Bangladeshi outlets, reports of arson attacks and forced displacement have emerged from various regions, including Faridpur, Sirajganj, and Bagerhat.

The minority Hindu community in Bangladesh has long endured a climate of fear, particularly during election periods, when Islamist mobs unleash violence targeting their homes and livelihoods. Despite the elections in Bangladesh on January 7, reports of Hindus facing arson attacks and displacement have surfaced, with scant media coverage within Bangladesh.

Abinash Kumar Mandal (name changed), a Bangladeshi refugee now residing in India, recounted the traumatic events that prompted his flight from Ujirpur in Bangladesh’s Barisal district. Mandal described the pervasive atmosphere of fear and intimidation fueled by post-election violence orchestrated by local strongmen associated with the Awami League.

According to Mandal, these families from Ujirpur upazila in Barisal crossed the border to India to escape the violence unleashed following the Bangladesh elections. Mandal’s journey to safety was marked by fear and uncertainty, as he navigated through checkpoints with an arrest warrant looming over him.

“I intentionally took a circuitous route to reach Benapole,” Mandal explained, citing the threat posed by local strongmen. The violence in Ujirpur targeted Hindus who supported rival candidates to the ruling Awami League, prompting many to flee for their lives.

The exodus from Ujirpur and Banaripara in the Barisal-2 constituency has left thousands of Hindu families displaced. While the Indian government has signalled support through the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, Mandal and others like him remain unaware of the legislation’s implications.

As Mandal struggles to rebuild his life in West Bengal, the plight of Bangladeshi Hindus remains largely overlooked by the media, allowing local politicians and strongmen to exploit their resources unchecked.

In the face of adversity, Mandal remains resolute, expressing his determination to never return to Bangladesh and to secure Indian citizenship. His story echoes the broader struggle of persecuted minorities in South Asia, underscoring the urgent need for international attention and support.