Overview of India’s Concern
India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has expressed grave concern over the “unremitting hostility” faced by Hindus, Christians, and Buddhists in Bangladesh from extremists. This concern is amplified by alarming reports of widespread violence and persecution, particularly during the current interim government led by Muhammad Yunus.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated on December 26 and 27, 2025, that these incidents are not media exaggerations or routine political violence. India is monitoring the situation closely and expects perpetrators to be brought to justice, emphasizing the Bangladeshi interim government’s responsibility for law and order.
Documented Violence Against Minorities
Independent assessments have recorded over 2,900 incidents of violence against minorities during the interim government’s term, including killings, arson, and land grabbing, indicating systematic targeting.
India has conveyed its apprehension through diplomatic channels, including during the Indian Foreign Secretary’s visit to Bangladesh on December 9, 2024. The High Commission of India in Dhaka actively monitors the situation.
Surge in Violence Against Hindus
- 2023: 302 cases of violence against Hindus reported.
- By December 8, 2024: 2,200 cases reported, a significant surge under the interim administration.
- Attacks include mob violence, vandalism of homes and places of worship, and forceful land grabbing, leading to displacement and fear.
Widespread Attacks on Christians and Buddhists
Christians and Buddhists have also faced severe persecution, especially after the political upheavals of 2024, following the ousting of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and the formation of the interim government.
Escalating Persecution of Christians
- Converts, particularly from Muslim backgrounds, face “severe restrictions and attacks,” accused of betraying their community.
- Many are forced to gather in clandestine house churches due to the risk of overt attacks.
- Open Doors reported at least 36 attacks on Christian believers and their properties, and over 100 families pressured to renounce their faith following the August 2024 political unrest. These figures are likely underestimates.
- Incidents:
- Vandalization of St. Gregory’s High School and College in Dhaka (November 2024).
- Ransacking and burning of homes of Tripuri Christian converts on Christmas Eve 2024 in Bandarban District.
- Looting of properties and churches, with one church in Dhaka set on fire.
- Vandalization of Caritas Bangladesh offices in Khulna.
- Reports of Christian converts killed by armed mobs.
Violence Against Buddhist Communities
- Buddhists, especially in the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) region, have seen a surge in violence.
- An 86-year-old Buddhist monk in Cox’s Bazar was attacked and killed in 2023.
- The situation worsened in 2024, particularly after August, with Muslim mobs targeting Buddhist Chakma communities.
- Incidents (commencing September 2024):
- Burning and looting of hundreds of shops and homes.
- Desecration of Buddhist temples and Buddha statues in districts like Khagrachari and Rangamati.
- At least four indigenous people, including Buddhist Chakmas, killed, and many injured.
- Acts of violence often incited by false rumors, leading to widespread destruction and displacement.
Role of Extremist Groups
Extremist groups like Ansarullah Bangla Team (ABT)/Ansar al-Islam, Jama’atul Mujahidin Bangladesh (JMB) and Neo-JMB, and Jamaat-e-Islami exploit political instability to advance their agenda. These groups, some linked to international networks (Al-Qaeda, ISIS), systematically target religious minorities, secularists, and atheists. The post-August 2024 violence surge, documented by the Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council, suggests empowered radical elements.
Interim Government’s Response Under Scrutiny
The response of the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government has faced criticism. While Yunus visited the Dhakeshwari Temple, he publicly characterized reports of attacks on minority Hindus as “exaggerated” and “more political than communal.” In March 2025, he reportedly dismissed allegations of atrocities, attributing them to personal disputes or criminal acts. Police investigations have reportedly concluded most cases were politically motivated rather than religiously driven.
- Amnesty International urged the interim government to take concrete actions and conduct impartial investigations.
- Minority organizations (December 2025) accused the Yunus government of failing to prevent violence and ensure justice, citing inadequate investigations.
- India has explicitly rejected the interim government’s claims of exaggeration.
- Former Prime Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina accused the current administration of empowering extremist elements.
The unremitting hostility against Hindus, Christians, and Buddhists in Bangladesh remains a deeply concerning issue requiring urgent action from the interim government and the international community.
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