In a shocking escalation of violence in Bangladesh, Muslim fundamentalists have carried out brutal attacks on the Hindu community in the Sunamganj district, targeting homes, shops, and Mandir. The attacks, which took place in the Doyra Bazaar area, have left the local Hindu population terrified and devastated. The assailants, believed to be part of a larger network of Islamist extremists, vandalised a Hindu Mandir, destroying murtis and sacred objects.
#Bangladesh
We earlier reported that Islamists attacked Hindu minorities in the #Sunamganj district.Hindu houses, shops owned by Hindus and temples were attacked and vandalised and looted.
Here are some photos: pic.twitter.com/tboMs6Vg5N— Hindu Voice (@HinduVoice_in) December 4, 2024
According to reports from the social media handle Hindu Voice on X (formerly Twitter), the violence began when the attackers broke into the Hindu Mandir in Doyra Bazaar and methodically destroyed the murtis and religious artefacts inside. Video footage shared on the platform shows the perpetrators smashing murtis and trashing the Mandir while shouting slogans and spreading fear among the community.
The violence didn’t stop at the Mandir. The fundamentalists, reportedly in large numbers, spread across the streets and lanes of the locality, attacking Hindu homes and shops. Properties were looted, and many Hindu families were forced to flee their homes to escape the mob’s wrath.
In addition to the widespread property damage, the attackers surrounded the Doyra police station, demanding the arrest of a Hindu youth named Akash Das.
News coming in from #Sunamganj district of Bangladesh.
Islamists mob are running mad right now. They are attacking Hindu houses, Hindu-owned shops and temples in #Doyara area.
Many shops have been vandalised and looted.
Hindu temples are attacked and vandalised.… pic.twitter.com/gdoVXTAsA9
— Hindu Voice (@HinduVoice_in) December 3, 2024
What makes this incident even more alarming is the reported involvement of the Bangladesh Army. In a disturbing development, the army has joined forces with the fundamentalists, participating in the search for Akash Das. However, despite the presence of armed forces, there are reports that the military is doing little to quell the violence or protect the Hindu community. Instead, the government seems to have tacitly allowed these attacks to continue, which has led to widespread fear and anger among Bangladesh’s Hindu population.
Just in from #Bangladesh.
Right now, Islamists mob are running mad in the different streets of the #Sunamganj district.
Islamists are calling for attack on Hindu minorities with slogans, ‘Action, action/Direct action’.
Bangladesh Army has failed to control the mad Islamist… pic.twitter.com/M5snie6ld1
— Hindu Voice (@HinduVoice_in) December 3, 2024
This wave of attacks is not an isolated incident. Over the past few months, attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh have become increasingly frequent, with fundamentalist groups emboldened by the perceived support of the government. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Muhammad Yunus, the government has been accused of either remaining silent or actively encouraging the rise of Islamist extremism. Fundamentalist groups, who were once more covert in their actions, are now openly attacking Hindus, with some even organising processions calling for “direct action” against the minority community.
The persecution of Hindus in Bangladesh has reached alarming levels, and many are now questioning the role of the state in protecting religious minorities. Historically, Bangladesh has had a large Hindu population, but over the years, Hindus have faced marginalisation, violence, and discrimination, especially during periods of political instability. The situation has worsened since the ousting of Sheikh Hasina from power, with many analysts pointing to the increased support for radical Islamist factions as a key factor in the rise of anti-Hindu violence.
Human rights organisations and international bodies have condemned the violence and urged the Bangladeshi government to take immediate action to protect its minority communities. However, with the complicity of local law enforcement and the military, and the growing influence of extremist groups, it remains to be seen whether any meaningful steps will be taken.
In the face of growing hostility, Hindu communities both in Bangladesh and across the world are calling for stronger diplomatic intervention, urging international human rights organisations to take a firm stand against the ongoing persecution of Hindus in Bangladesh.
