Dhaka/New Delhi: After the resignation and fled of former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to neighboring India on 5 August, widespread social unrest has erupted across Bangladesh. This unrest has led to a series of violent attacks on Hindu households, resulting in at least two fatalities and significant property damage.
The Bangladesh Hindu-Buddhist-Christian Unity Council has reported widespread incidents of vandalism and looting targeting Hindu homes, businesses, and temples across 29 districts. The Daily Prothom Alo has documented similar attacks in at least 12 districts, with these events being widely circulated on social media in India.
Among the notable incidents was the vandalism, looting, and burning of the 140-year-old residence of popular Bangladeshi folk singer Rahul Ananda in Dhaka. This residence, which also served as a cultural hub housing over 3,000 of his instruments, was destroyed by the mob. Similarly, the 135-year-old Maharaja Bir Chandra library in Comilla was vandalized, with several historic books and documents being set ablaze.
In a particularly tragic incident, Bangladeshi actor Shanto Khan and his father, Salim Khan, were lynched by a mob on Monday night. These incidents have sparked fear among the Hindu community in Bangladesh, with many expressing concerns over their safety.
A Dhaka-based apparel merchandiser reported that his ancestral home in the southwestern district of Patuakhali was targeted by vandals. “My relative reported that a group of individuals entered our house, looted money, and stole other valuables,” he said, noting that his family had no political ties.
Political and Religious Motivations Behind the Violence
Despite the attacks, Gobinda Pramanik, President of the Bangladesh National Hindu Grand Alliance, emphasized that the violence appears to be politically motivated rather than religiously driven. He expressed concern over how some Indian media outlets are portraying these incidents as attacks specifically targeting the Hindu community.
Meanwhile, the Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami (BJI) condemned the attacks on religious minorities, including vandalism, looting, and arson, asserting that all citizens have equal rights regardless of their religious affiliation.
India’s Response and Border Security Measures
The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) has appealed to the Indian government to take immediate action to protect Hindus in Bangladesh and prevent “jihadis posing as refugees from entering India.” Rajesh Jain, Secretary of VHP Madhya Bharat, urged the Indian government to safeguard Hindus facing persecution in Bangladesh.
As the unrest continues, the Indian government has issued a high alert along its 4,096-kilometer border with Bangladesh. The Border Security Force (BSF) has intensified patrolling and deployed additional personnel to prevent illegal influxes. At three border outposts in North Bengal, nearly 500 individuals, presumably of Bangladeshi origin, were dispersed by the BSF after they attempted to enter India illegally.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his best wishes to Muhammad Yunus, who was sworn in as head of the interim government in Bangladesh, and urged him to ensure the safety and protection of Hindus and other minority communities under attack.
Potential Regional Impact and Security Concerns
Experts have warned that the change of guard in Bangladesh could pose significant challenges for India. Sheikh Hasina, an ally of India, had been effective in controlling terror and radical elements in Bangladesh. However, with the potential rise of a right-wing Islamist-leaning government, there are concerns that extremist groups could destabilize the region.
Security analysts have highlighted the vulnerability of India’s northeastern states and West Bengal, warning that radical forces could exploit the situation to increase criminal activities and insurgent movements. The situation at the border remains tense, with potential repercussions for India’s internal security.
As the crisis unfolds, India is closely monitoring the situation and taking measures to ensure the safety of its citizens and the protection of minorities in Bangladesh. The possibility of increased Islamist movements and the involvement of external actors like Pakistan and China add to the complexity of the situation, making it a significant concern for regional stability.