Since the ousting of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in a recent coup, the plight of Hindus in Bangladesh has taken a severe turn for the worse. Under Hasina’s government, while challenges persisted, there were at least some protections and policies aimed at curbing religious violence and supporting minority rights. Her administration made concerted efforts to curb extremist influences and encourage a secular governance framework, providing some degree of stability and safety for Hindus and other minorities. However, with her sudden removal from office, a power vacuum emerged, and extremist factions quickly gained influence, leading to an alarming increase in anti-Hindu violence.
In the wake of the coup, reports indicate a dramatic rise in attacks on Hindu communities, including incidents of arson, vandalism of temples, forced conversions, and mob violence. The perpetrators, emboldened by the weakened rule of law, have acted with impunity, targeting Hindu families and religious sites with little fear of consequence. Many Hindu families, feeling abandoned and defenseless, have fled their homes, seeking refuge in makeshift shelters or attempting to cross into India. Those who remain behind live in constant fear, grappling with threats to their lives and livelihoods.
The rise in violence also points to an intensification of systemic harassment, as public officials, often under the sway of radical forces, turn a blind eye or even tacitly support the targeting of minorities. The situation is exacerbated by the fact that Bangladesh’s judiciary, law enforcement, and other institutions have been destabilised in the wake of the coup, limiting avenues for justice or accountability for the victims of these attacks.
With the destabilisation following Hasina’s ousting, Islamist extremist factions, long simmering on the periphery, have seized the opportunity to push their agendas with renewed force. Many of these groups view the presence of Hindus in Bangladesh as an affront to their vision of a religiously homogeneous society, and they have used the political upheaval to foster and intensify communal tensions. These factions, many with deep ties to radical ideologies and foreign influences, are now openly targeting Hindus, stoking hatred through sermons, social media, and community mobilisation efforts.
These extremist elements have historically resisted Hasina’s secular policies and openly opposed her attempts to protect minorities. Now, without the checks that her government had put in place, they operate with few restrictions, gaining power and influence at an alarming rate. This surge in extremist control has had devastating consequences for Bangladeshi Hindus, who face not only violence from radicalised mobs but also institutional bias as elements of the new regime increasingly align with these factions.
Given the escalating crisis, there is an urgent need for India, along with the international community, to step in with diplomatic pressure and humanitarian assistance to protect Bangladeshi Hindus. India, as the closest and most influential neighbour, has a unique role in addressing this humanitarian crisis. Failure to act risks not only deepening the suffering of Hindu minorities but also allowing a worsening of regional instability, with potential cross-border ramifications.
International human rights organisations and governments worldwide should likewise speak out against the persecution of Hindus in Bangladesh. A multilateral effort can put pressure on the interim or new authorities in Bangladesh to uphold human rights obligations and prevent further violence against minorities. Sanctions, diplomatic isolation, and conditional aid are potential tools to leverage change.
India cannot afford to remain silent as Bangladeshi Hindus suffer under an increasingly hostile environment. Cultural ties, shared heritage, and a duty to protect vulnerable communities make it imperative for India to act. India should offer temporary asylum to those seeking refuge and provide humanitarian assistance, particularly in border areas where displaced Bangladeshi Hindus are attempting to escape.
Additionally, India must intensify its diplomatic efforts to ensure that the Bangladeshi authorities, despite their transition, understand the consequences of allowing unchecked violence against minorities. This involves working closely with the United Nations, human rights organisations, and allies who share a commitment to upholding religious freedom and human rights.
The Indian diaspora, especially those with roots in Bangladesh, can play an essential role by raising awareness on international platforms and lobbying for intervention. Indian advocacy groups and media outlets have the power to keep this issue in the public eye, ensuring that the struggles of Hindus in Bangladesh are not forgotten amid shifting news cycles and international priorities. By amplifying the stories of survivors and documenting atrocities, the diaspora can build a case for international intervention and bring about more substantial global pressure on the Bangladeshi government.
If Hindus in India and the global community do not stand in solidarity with Hindus in Bangladesh, the fate of these vulnerable communities looks grim. The post-coup rise in anti-Hindu violence serves as a stark reminder that religious freedom and minority rights remain under constant threat. India must lead the call for action, standing as both a neighbor and a protector, to ensure that Hindus in Bangladesh are neither abandoned nor erased from their homeland.
