Taking note of the unabated persecution of religious minorities in Bangladesh after the fall of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, the House of Commons of the United Kingdom published a report on January 23, 2025, which details the ongoing unrest and the challenges faced by religious minorities in Bangladesh.
The report states, ‘The political situation in Bangladesh dramatically shifted following widespread protests against Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s government, triggered by a Supreme Court ruling on job quotas for veterans in July/August 2024. The protests escalated into violence, leading to Hasina’s flight from the country and the establishment of an interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus. This new administration faces significant challenges, including economic instability, rising tensions with India, and ongoing unrest, particularly regarding violence against minority groups. As the interim government seeks to implement reforms and prepare for future elections, the political landscape remains fraught with tension and uncertainty.’
‘Recent reports have highlighted a troubling surge in religious persecution against the Hindu community in Bangladesh following the fall of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s government in August 2024. Since her departure, there have been over 2,000 reported attacks on Hindus, prompting widespread protests and calls for protection from violence. The Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council has been vocal about these incidents, indicating a significant rise in communal violence targeting minorities’, it adds.
‘The interim government, led by Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, has acknowledged the violence and stated that they are working to resolve these heinous attacks. However, reports indicate that the situation remains dire, with 88 cases of communal violence confirmed and 70 arrests made since Hasina’s exit from power. The government has also faced criticism for not adequately protecting religious minorities, as many of the attacks appear to be politically motivated or based on personal disputes rather than purely faith-based animosity’, it further mentions.
