Bangladesh Violence: Hindu Homes Targeted, Taslima Nasrin Condemns Attacks

Dhaka: Violence against Hindus in Bangladesh continues to escalate, raising concerns about the safety of minority communities in the country. Following the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government last August, targeted attacks against Hindus have surged.

In a recent incident on 27 December, a Hindu family’s home in Dumritola village, Pirojpur, was set on fire. According to reports, the Saha family’s house, comprising five rooms, was drenched in petrol and burned down while the residents were asleep. This follows a pattern of similar attacks, including an incident last week in Raujan, Chattogram, where a Hindu family narrowly escaped a night-time arson.

Bangladeshi writer Taslima Nasrin, taking to social media platform X, condemned the attacks, stating:
“Hindu homes are being set ablaze while people are asleep. Are all remaining Hindu homes in the country going to be destroyed in this way? They intend to burn Hindus alive. Is Yunus merely playing the flute while this happens?”

The ongoing violence is reportedly being carried out with the support or negligence of interim government head Mohammad Yunus, as extremist Islamic mobs continue their attacks unchecked. Threatening messages in Bengali have also been discovered, accusing Hindus of acting against Islam and the Muslim community, warning that if such “activities” continue, the homes, properties, and businesses of non-Muslims will face destruction.

According to The Daily Star, in just five days, seven Hindu households in three separate locations in Raujan have been targeted in arson attacks. Police have engaged with local religious leaders in attempts to curb the violence, but the attacks persist, heightening fears among the Hindu minority.

The incidents highlight the escalating insecurity for Hindus in Bangladesh and underscore the urgent need for protection measures to prevent further targeted attacks against the community.