Indian Hindus teake part in a protest outside the Bangladesh High Commission in Mumbai on December 2, 2024, amid the unrest in Bangladesh after the arrest of Hindu monk Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari. (Photo by Indranil MUKHERJEE / AFP)
On December 2, 2024, Indian Hindus staged a protest outside the Bangladesh High Commission in Mumbai. This demonstration was part of broader concerns about the treatment of Hindu minorities in Bangladesh, including reports of violence against Hindu communities and places of worship. These tensions have been exacerbated by political instability in Bangladesh, with increasing reports of communal violence targeting minorities.
The protests in Mumbai were triggered by ongoing attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh and recent incidents of unrest involving Hindu figures, including the detention of a Hindu monk, Chinmoy Krishna Das, on sedition charges. Similar protests have also been reported in Kolkata, where tensions escalated further when a Bangladeshi flag was reportedly burned, drawing condemnation from the Bangladeshi government.
Discrimination against Hindus in Bangladesh
Reports of violence and discrimination against Hindus in Bangladesh have periodically surfaced, particularly during times of political instability or social unrest. Hindus, as a minority community (comprising about 8-10% of the population), have faced challenges, including attacks on temples, homes, and individuals, especially during communal tensions or political demonstrations.
Recent Incidents:
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Communal Violence (2024):
- Rising political instability in Bangladesh, linked to anti-Government protests and clashes, has coincided with an increase in attacks targeting Hindu communities. Reports highlight arson, vandalism of Hindu homes, and desecration of temples​
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- Rising political instability in Bangladesh, linked to anti-Government protests and clashes, has coincided with an increase in attacks targeting Hindu communities. Reports highlight arson, vandalism of Hindu homes, and desecration of temples​
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Historical Pattern:
- Hindus in Bangladesh have faced systemic issues, including land grabs and social marginalization. These patterns are often exacerbated by political motivations or religious tensions​
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- Hindus in Bangladesh have faced systemic issues, including land grabs and social marginalization. These patterns are often exacerbated by political motivations or religious tensions​
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Targeted Attacks:
- Episodes like the Durga Puja violence in 2021 and subsequent attacks on Hindu villages underline ongoing vulnerabilities, often during major political or religious events​
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- Episodes like the Durga Puja violence in 2021 and subsequent attacks on Hindu villages underline ongoing vulnerabilities, often during major political or religious events​
Government Response:
While the Bangladeshi government has condemned such acts and taken measures to provide protection, critics argue that law enforcement often fails to act decisively, and justice for victims is slow or absent.
Broader Context:
The unrest is often attributed to deeper socio-political tensions, with Islamist groups and political opposition using communal rhetoric to further their agendas. Such issues underscore the broader challenges faced by minorities in ensuring safety and equal rights.
