Bangladesh Confirms 88 Attacks on Minorities Amid Rising Tensions, India Raises Concerns

Dacca (Bangladesh):  In a significant development, Bangladesh has confirmed that 88 incidents of communal violence targeting minorities, primarily Hindus, took place following the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in August 2024. The violence has drawn strong international attention, with India expressing deep concerns regarding the safety of its minority communities in neighboring Bangladesh.

According to reports by news agency PTI, Shafiqul Alam, the press secretary of Bangladesh’s interim government head, Muhammad Yunus, confirmed the number of attacks and the arrests made in connection with these incidents. Alam stated that 70 individuals had been arrested for their involvement in the communal violence, and more arrests are expected as new reports of violence continue to surface, particularly from the northeastern Sunamganj and central Gazipur regions.

The confirmation from Bangladesh came a day after Vikram Misri, India’s Foreign Secretary, raised concerns about the violence targeting minorities in Bangladesh during meetings with Bangladeshi leaders. Misri, who was in Dhaka for the annual foreign office consultations, expressed India’s worries about the safety and welfare of religious minorities, particularly Hindus, in Bangladesh.

Details of the Violence and Arrests

Alam provided further details, explaining that the incidents occurred between August 5 and October 22, with incidents involving minorities registered in a total of 88 cases. The violence has been attributed to a mix of political and personal motives, with some attacks reportedly targeting individuals with affiliations to the previous ruling party. However, Alam emphasized that despite the incidents, the government maintains that Hindus were not specifically targeted due to their faith.

“Some attacks targeted individuals who were former members of the ruling party or were the result of personal disputes. Nevertheless, since violence occurred, the police are taking appropriate action,” Alam said, adding that the number of cases and arrests is likely to increase as new incidents of violence are reported.

Bangladesh has also faced scrutiny for the increasing number of attacks on Hindu temples and religious sites, as well as violence against members of other minority communities. These incidents have raised alarm in neighboring India, which has been vocal in condemning the attacks and urging Bangladesh to ensure the safety of its religious minorities.

India’s Diplomatic Concerns and Reactions

Vikram Misri’s visit to Dhaka was the first by a senior Indian official since the change of government in Bangladesh in August. During his visit, Misri met with Mohammad Jashim Uddin, Bangladesh’s foreign minister, as well as the de facto foreign minister Touhid Hossain and Muhammad Yunus, the head of the interim administration.

The violence against Hindus in Bangladesh has escalated bilateral tensions between the two countries, as India has been calling for stronger measures to protect minorities in Bangladesh. The violence has also been a point of diplomatic strain, especially following the recent arrest of a monk, Chinmoy Krishna Das, which has further intensified concerns in New Delhi.

Looking Ahead: Monitoring the Situation

Alam concluded his statements by mentioning that further details regarding incidents after October 22 would be shared soon. In the meantime, as tensions continue to rise, India is closely monitoring the situation and will likely continue to push for accountability and the protection of religious minorities in Bangladesh.

This series of events highlights the ongoing religious and political challenges in Bangladesh and the growing importance of safeguarding the rights and safety of minority communities in the region.