Dhaka Urged to Act in Wake of Tagore Monument Destruction Incident
AA Edit | Rising Bigotry in Bangladesh: A Closer Look at the Attacks on Religious Minorities
Since the rise of the Muhammad Yunus government in August 2024, religious minorities in Bangladesh have been under attack. Police reports show over 1,769 incidents, with NGOs claiming over 2,000 attacks, primarily on temples. Desecration, arson, and atrocities against Hindu women are not uncommon.
The targeting of India-related elements intensified under this regime, as anything linked to the neighboring nation became taboo. The desecration of Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore's ancestral home on June 8, 2025, mirrored similar acts under Bangladesh's former Pakistani overlords.
These acts of extremism disturbed economic growth, as shown in Pakistan's case. The Bangladeshi foreign ministry attested to the country's respect for Tagore, but the Yunus government's lack of regard for Hindu personalities and culture makes such respect hard to uphold.
India's reaction was predictable, with ruling and opposition blocs united in condemnation. However, the Indian government must remain vigilant and confront the increasing "Pakistanization" of Bangladesh.
A Historical Overview of Religious Intolerance
Post-August 2024:- Political Shift and Violence: After Sheikh Hasina's ousting, there was a surge in targeted attacks against the minority Hindu community. Within days of the power shift, over 200 attacks on temples occurred[5].- Continued Attacks: Attacks included vandalism, arson, physical assaults, and institutional discrimination. Muslim student groups allegedly forced Hindus to resign[5].- Coercion: Hindus were coerced into joining Islamist political party, Jamaat-e-Islami[5].
September 2024:- Attack on Religious Procession: A peaceful procession carrying an idol of Lord Ganesha was attacked in Chittagong's Kadam Mubarak area on September 6[5].- Durga Puja Attacks: Durga Puja celebrations were targeted, including idol vandalism by a radical named Yasin Mia in Gouripur town in Mymensingh on September 25[5].
October 2024:- Idol Destruction: Multiple idols were destroyed at Rishipara Barwari Puja Mandap and Manikadi Palpara Barwari Pujamandap in Sujanagar upazila, Pabna district, between September 28 and October 1[5].- Further Vandalism: Seven idols were desecrated at the Gopinath Jiur Akhara Durga Puja mandap in Kishoreganj on October 3[5].
Causes of Increased Intolerance
- Political Transition: The political shift post-August 2024 created an environment conducive to religious intolerance[5].
- Social and Economic Factors: Economic instability and social unrest contribute to the rise in religious intolerance. Vulnerable minority groups are often targeted during times of social and economic stress[4].
- Influence of Islamist Groups: Organizations like Jamaat-e-Islami have been accused of promoting religious intolerance and discrimination against minority communities. Their influence has grown in the recent climate of instability[4].
Impact on India-Bangladesh Relations
- Diplomatic Tensions: Religious intolerance towards minorities in Bangladesh has strained relations with India, which has a significant Hindu population[5].
- Border Security Concerns: Violence and instability in Bangladesh have raised concerns about border security and potential refugee flows into India[5].
- Humanitarian Concerns: International pressure to address human rights concerns in Bangladesh may further strain India-Bangladesh relations[5].
Overall, religious intolerance in Bangladesh post-August 2024 has profound implications for regional stability and international relations, particularly with India. Addressing these issues will require cooperation between both governments to ensure the protection of minority rights and the promotion of religious tolerance.
- The political shift post-August 2024 led to an increase in general-news stories about targeted attacks against religious minorities in Bangladesh, particularly Hindus.
- In light of these events, the tension between India and Bangladesh has intensified in the realm of politics, as India closely monitors the alarming rise of crime-and-justice incidents against its minority population in the neighboring country.
