Violence against Hindus intensifies in Bangladesh, India presents shocking figures in Parliament

In Bangladesh, after the resignation of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, incidents of attacks on the Hindu community have increased rapidly. The Indian government has presented shocking figures in Parliament on violence against Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh. Minister of State for External Affairs Kirtivardhan Singh said that till December 8, 2024, more than 2200 attacks against minorities have been recorded in Bangladesh.

violence statistics in bangladesh

Highlighting Bangladesh’s situation through statistics in Parliament, the Minister of State for External Affairs told:

• 2024: 2200 attacks on Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh by 8 December.
• 2023: 47 cases in Bangladesh, 241 cases in Pakistan.
• 2021: 302 cases in Bangladesh, 103 cases in Pakistan.

It is clear from these figures that there has been a huge increase in violence against Hindus in Bangladesh in 2024. The minister also said that in comparison to these attacks, 112 incidents of attacks on Hindus have been recorded in Pakistan this year, which is much less than that in Bangladesh.

India’s response and diplomatic efforts

The Government of India has expressed deep concern over these incidents to the Government of Bangladesh.

• The Foreign Secretary appealed to ensure safety of Hindus and other minorities during his recent visit to Dhaka.
• The Indian Embassy in Dhaka is also keeping a close eye on these incidents.
• India has expressed hope from the Bangladesh government to take strict steps so that the minority community can feel safe.

India’s warning on religious intolerance in Pakistan

The Minister of State for External Affairs said that India has also urged Pakistan to take concrete steps to stop religious intolerance and attacks on minorities.

• India has highlighted the plight of minorities in Pakistan at international forums.
• There have been consistent appeals to Pakistan to ensure the welfare and security of Hindus, Sikhs, and Christians.

Tension in India-Bangladesh relations amid violence

Following massive protests in Bangladesh in August 2024, former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was forced to resign and leave the country.

• Relations between Bangladesh and India became further strained after Hasina took refuge in India.
• Nobel Peace Prize winner Mohammad Yunus, who now heads the interim government, did not take the situation of violence against Hindus seriously.
• In recent times, attacks on Hindus and the arrest of Chinmay Krishna Das have further soured the relations between the two countries.

Concern over the situation of Hindus in Bangladesh

The Indian government has clarified that apart from Bangladesh and Pakistan, there are zero cases of violence against Hindus and other minorities in other neighboring countries.
The Minister of State for External Affairs said that:

• “We expect the Bangladesh government to take prompt and strict action to ensure the safety of minorities.”