Decoded | From Partition to present: Why Bangladesh's Hindu community faces growing persecution

People gather to take part in a protest demanding protections for Hindus and other minority groups in Dhaka early this month. (Image: AFP file photo)

The recent arrest of Hindu leader Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari in Bangladesh has brought the spotlight back on the alarming spike in targeted attacks on minority Hindus in the crisis-hit neighbouring country.

Das, leader of the Hindu group Sammilita Sanatani Jote, was arrested from the Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport area in Dhaka on Monday. He is also head of the Pundarik Dham, operated by ISKCON, in Chittagong, and has been leading rallies demanding the security of Hindus in Bangladesh.

Following Das’ arrest on charges of sedition, at least three Hindu temples have been targeted by mobs in Chattogram. This follows the slew of violent attacks on Hindus and Hindu temples across the country, ever since the government of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was overthrown and she fled the country following a student-led uprising in August this year.

Minority Hindus at receiving end

According to Bangladesh’s 2022 census, there are a little more than 13.1 million Hindus in Bangladesh, who comprise 7.96 percent of the country’s population. On the other hand, 165.16 million Muslims made up 91 percent of Bangladesh’s population.

The country’s influential minority group Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council has said that there have been more than 2,000 attacks on Hindus since August 4, as the interim government has struggled to restore order, reported AP.

Hindus and other minority communities say the interim government hasn't adequately protected them and that hardline Islamists are becoming increasingly influential since Hasina's ouster. The issue has reached beyond Bangladesh, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi voicing concern over reports of attacks.

Why this growing persecution of Hindus?

The Hindu population of Bangladesh has suffered considerably as a consequence of political events since 1947. They were particularly targeted during the Bangladesh Liberation War as many Pakistanis blamed them for the secession, resulting in targeted executions, rapes, and other human rights abuses against Hindu communities.

Hindus in Bangladesh have been subject to persecution both when it was still East Pakistan and since independence, but the recent spike in attacks and violence can majorly be attributed to the political instability in the country, which has created a volatile environment. It is often seen in such situations that some groups exploit this situation to target minority communities.

Another major reason believed to be a catalyst in recent atrocities against Hindus in Bangladesh is the rising religious extremism and intolerance, which may have fuelled hatred and discrimination against minority groups.

The spread of misinformation and propaganda through social media and other channels has also incited hatred and violence against minority groups. It is important to note that not all attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh are solely motivated by religious hatred. Some attacks may be politically motivated or driven by other factors.

Minority Hinds under siege – A brief historical context

An important turning point for the Hindu community in East Bengal, which subsequently became Bangladesh, was the 1947 Partition of India. Many Hindus found themselves on the wrong side of the border, where they faced prejudice, violence, and exile as the subcontinent was split along religious lines. The Hindu community was further marginalised by the East Bengal Evacuees Act, which resulted in their property and land being taken away.

Hindu persecution increased during the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War. Hindus were singled out by the Pakistani military and its allies on the grounds that they were supporting India. During this time, countless Hindus were murdered, sexually assaulted, and uprooted.

The difficulties faced by the Hindu community continued even after Bangladesh attained independence. Attacks on homes and temples, forced conversions, land theft, and religious prejudice persisted.

Cry for justice

The arrest of Das on sedition charges has triggered widespread protests by Hindu communities both within Bangladesh and internationally. Protesters have taken to the streets, demanding the release of Das and expressing concerns over the increasing persecution of Hindus in the country.

Since August, Hindu activists have been holding protest rallies in Dhaka and other places to push for their demands, which include a ministry for minorities, a law protecting minorities, and a tribunal to prosecute oppressive crimes against minorities. Additionally, they are looking for a five-day break for Durga Puja, their biggest celebration. However, because of the religious sensitivities, Bangladesh's Durga Puja celebrations were subdued this year.