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Mar 26, 2025
Vladimir Adityanaath

Jaziya, Rape, Torture & Murder: A Report on Escalating State-Backed Terror Campaign Against Hindus in Bangladesh since January 2025

Prelude The persecution of the indigenous Hindu population in Bangladesh dates back to the colonial era. Indigenous Hindus of Bangladesh have been victims of several rounds of genocide orchestrated and executed by Islamists since the pre-Independence period. Some examples include- The Anti-Hindu pogroms of 1949: At least 5,00,0000 Hindus were murdered and over 45,00,000 Hindu men, women and children were displaced from their motherland [1]. Around 10,000 Hindus had lost their lives and at least 3,00,000 Hindus were forcibly displaced during the pogroms of 1964 [2] [3][4]. Anywhere between 3,00,000 to 30,00,000 Hindus were killed (25,00,000 is the most commonly quoted estimate), 60,00,000 to 70,00,000 were forced to leave their ancestral and spiritual homeland and 2,00,000 to 4,00,000 Hindu women and girls were raped during the systematic campaign of mass-murder and genocidal sexual violence in 1971 [5][6] [7]. The “post-election violence” in 2001: The Bangladesh High Court had ordered a judicial investigation on this so-called “electoral violence” in 2009. During the two–year–long investigation, they found evidence of targeted violence against Hindus by at least 26,352 people, including 25 Ministers and Members of Parliament of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party and the Jamaat-e-Islami led alliance government. They concluded that at least 18,000 women and girls were raped. This report was rejected by the ruling Bangladesh Nationalist Party. Journalists from US and UK news outlets have reported that Hindus were cleansed from several villages like Srirampur near Khulna, through “systematic ethnic cleansing” [8]. Hindus celebrating Durga Puja were targeted by Islamists during Durga Puja in 2021, after Iqbal Hossain had placed a Quran in the lap of the Hindu god Hanuman Ji. At least 343 temples were looted, vandalised and desecrated. 1650 properties belonging to Hindus were looted and burnt down in many cases. At least 14 Hindus were murdered and 17 Hindus went “missing” between 13.10.2021 and 19.10.2021. Numerous Hindus were arrested for attempting to share information about the ongoing violence on social media [9]. Sabyasachi Ghosh Dastidar, the author of the book “Bengal’s Hindu Holocaust: The Partition of India and its Aftermath” uses official government records and over 25 years of extensive fieldwork to arrive at the following conclusions: 1) By conservative estimates, at least 30 lakh (3 million) native Hindus were murdered and over 4.9 crore (49 million) Hindu men, women and children had simply disappeared between 1947 and 2001. 2) The state has organised the persecution of Hindus by suppressing demands for basic civil rights, pursuing policies that appease and empower Islamists and maintaining and enforcing a legal framework that discriminates against Hindus and other minorities. Legislations like the Vested Property Act (which allowed the Government and Islamists to confiscate the properties of Hindus who had either gone “missing” or were driven out of Bangladesh) were framed for rewarding Islamists who drove out Hindus from their lands. The helpless Hindu community is left with the question “Aamago lokera varg kothaay?” (Where are our people? Where do they go?). According to Bangladeshi economist and Professor Abul Barkat, the implementation of the Enemy Property Act or Vested Property Act between 1965 and 2006 has directly impacted at least 60,00,000 Hindus. Hindus have lost over 26,00,000 acres of land due to this Act [10]. The reason for any real or perceived criticism or defamation of Islam, the Prophet Muhammad and the Quran in the constitution and the Penal Code has frequently been used to justify attacks against Hindus. Hundreds of Hindus have either been lynched or arrested under fabricated charges of blasphemy. Islamists often incite Hindu youth with repeated attacks on their culture and religion, attempting to draw out responses which can be perceived as blasphemy. The Digital Security Act of 2018 criminalises the publishing of any content perceived to be blasphemous. Activists have criticised the use of this Act to disproportionately arrest and prosecute Hindus for hurting the religious sentiments of Muslims [9]. 3) The authorities have remained in a complete state of denial that a systematic persecution of Hindus is a daily affair in Bangladesh since the pre-Independence period. Tathagata Roy, author and former Governor of Meghalaya and Tripura, agrees with the research of Sachi Ghosh Dastidar in his book “Ja Chilo Aamaar Desh” citing numerous examples of the state participating in and helping to cover up crimes and atrocities against Hindus, including mass-murders and large-scale rapes of women. The existing research proves that Islamists committing atrocities against Hindus have enjoyed uninterrupted state support from at least the 1940s. Indigenous Hindu minorities face violence, humiliation and discrimination throughout their life in Bangladesh. Slurs like “Malaun” (cursed by Allah), “Kafir” and “Agents of India” are hurled at them almost daily. The large-scale attacks on the lives, livelihood and dignity of Hindus are not mere “tragedies” or “incidents”, but part of a genocidal campaign to kill, convert or drive out the remaining Hindu population of Bangladesh. According to Government statistics, 1.25 crore Hindus were forced to leave East Pakistan between 1950 and 1971. Around 1.5 crore Hindus were forced to leave their motherland between 1974 and 2016, proving that the campaign to cleanse Hindus in Bangladesh was not something perpetrated by the Pakistanis only. At least 3,679 attacks on Hindus were orchestrated in 2013. 559 houses and 442 business establishments belonging to Hindus were burnt down or gutted, and 1678 religious institutions were attacked. 761 houses, 193 business establishments and 247 temples were attacked in 2014. 6474 attacks on Hindus were documented by the Bangladesh Jatiya Hindu Mahajote in 2017. At least 25 Hindu girls and children were raped that year [11]. The atrocities on Hindus increased in 2020, with the Bangladesh Jatiya Hindu Mahajote documenting the following atrocities [12]- Year Total number of Hindus affected Hindu women and children raped Hindus suffering injuries Hindu Temples desecrated Hindus forcibly converted Hindus forcibly displaced 2020 40,703 53 7036 370 2623 2125 The Islamist lobby in Bangladesh acts as a pressure group, and every single political party has accepted the majority of their demands. The success of the so-called “Student protests against discrimination” was used as an excuse to label Hindus as “Agents of Awami League” to justify large-scale attacks on their lives and livelihood. Journalists and researchers have concluded that there is a sharp increase in violence and other atrocities like rape, extracting Jaziya, public humiliation, forced conversion, arrest and torture under fabricated charges, dismissal from Government jobs and blacklisting from employment and business opportunities against the remaining 1.3 crore indigenous Hindus, after the fall of the Awami League Government on 05.08.2024. The premier Bangladeshi media outlet “Prothom Alo” had recorded 1068 instances of attacks against Hindu houses and businesses during August 2024 [13]. A report from the “Hindu-Buddhist-Christian Unity Council” has documented 2010 instances of violence, arson, loot, kidnapping, murder, rape, gang-rape and attacks on Hindu temples and crematoriums between 04/08/2024 and 20/08/2024. Human Rights Activists like Kajol Debnath of the Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council assert that only 25-30% of atrocities are documented and filed in courts. They say that only 5-6% of the Hindu victims receive some form of justice [9]. The decline in the Hindu population in Bangladesh gives a fairly accurate representation of the extent of Hindu persecution. The Hindu population in Bangladesh has declined from 33% in 1901 to 7.95% in 2022. Decline of Hindu population in Bangladesh Nature of Violence against Hindus since August 2024 Large-scale attacks were launched against minority Hindus, targeting their lives, livelihood and places of worship during August 2024. Sizeable mobs armed with local weapons targeted Hindu localities and isolated Hindu settlements. The tried-and-tested method of mob violence, with each attack lasting anywhere between 30 minutes and 3 hours, was organised by the Islamist aggressors. Over 50 Hindu educators were forced to resign from their jobs without a proper investigation to verify the truth of the allegations levelled against them [14]. At least 91 Hindu police personnel were dismissed on highly suspicious charges between 05.08.2024 and 27.10.2024 [15]. A coordinated effort is being made by Islamists and the unelected interim Government of Bangladesh to prevent Hindus from requesting state power to protect themselves or demand justice. The scale and consistency of reporting atrocities against Hindus by the Bangladeshi media is extremely limited compared to the volume of incidents reported by minority rights groups. Journalists like Emon Chowdhury of Ekhon TV were dismissed for reporting atrocities like gang-rape against Hindus in Pirojpur [16]. Such lack of coverage or distortion of facts (Ekattor TV had edited the image of the mother of minor rape victim Anika Roy in March, 2025 to hide their Hindu identity in March, 2025 [17]) cannot be justified as self-censorship to ensure communal harmony and national peace. Islamist groups have launched multiple attacks against the two leading newspapers of Bangladesh, “Prothom Alo” and “The Daily Star” in October and November, claiming that these media outlets were “anti-Islam” and “pro-India” [18][19][20]. Islamist groups like “Jamaat-e-Islami” and “Hefajot-e-Islam” are organising and funding several campaigns designed to encourage violence, rape and other atrocities against the minority Hindus since at least December, 2024. The atrocities against Hindus in 2025 can be explained better using a RULLS (Random Unceasing Low-Level Scattered) model. Images of two of the handbills circulated throughout Bangladesh are given below. These handbills contain several verifiably fake information to term Hindus as “rapists”, “necrophiles” and “child traffickers”. These handbills exhort Muslim girls to stay away from male Hindu youth claiming to spread awareness against the so-called “Bhagwa Love Trap”. It has become much easier for Islamists and biased or compromised media outlets to explain random attacks as mere “law & order issue” or “isolated incidents”. Handbills circulated throughout Bangladesh to fan anti-Hindu sentiments Known Attacks on Hindus in January 2025 Date Place Short Description Source 01.01.2025 Moulvibazar A mob of Islamists had attacked the Shani Mandir at night, vandalising the temple and desecrating the pratima of Maa Kali. Ground report from SAMID 01.01.2025 Barlekha Upazila, Moulvibazar Islamists had attacked the Shri Shri Gouranga MahaPrabhu Seva Ashram. They : Attempted to lynch the Sevait (purohit). Vandalised and looted the Krishna temple Ground Report from Sanatan TV : https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1AbprYZDD5/ 01.01.2025 Chattagram Islamists abducted Pranta Talukdar from his home with slogans of “Allah –hu-Akbar” after beating him up. He had uploaded a facebook post questioning the anti-Hindu activities of Tablighi Jamaat. https://www.facebook.com/share/p/18kFWGXZbB/ 01.01.2025 Kamalganj Upazila, Moulvibazar A 17-year old Hindu girl was abducted and gang-raped for three days by 4-5 Islamists including Mustafa Miyan and Jaynal Miyan. She was then sold for 3,00,000 BDT to a trafficking racket. After hearing her tragic fate, her father had suffered a heart attack and lost his lost his life. DRB News Report and Ground Report from SAMID 04.01. 2025 Sadarghat, Dhaka Businessman Shubhashish Basu was abducted by 4 youth, posing as personnel from Detective Branch. Organisations working for minority rights say that this is another example of Islamists extorting Hindu businessmen, with the goal of turning their businesses into economically unviable liabilities. News report from Dainik Purbakon 04.01.2025 Bauphal Upazila, Patuakhali Islamists had attacked the business establishment of Shibananda Roy, looting goods worth more than 5,00,000 BDT. They then kidnapped Shibananda Roy https://x.com/k_pundir/status/1875557721170440386?t=loWdd-MfvCnkcPC45RGAXw&s=19 06.01.2025 Betra Village, Jhalakathi So-called unknown miscreants had murdered 26-year old Hindu businessman Sudeb Halder by cutting his throat, while he was returning home from work. https://x.com/hinduphobia_tr/status/1878767583094010133?t=XgArbb21cH6OY2E5o_-o5Q&s=19 06.01.2025 Chaugacha, Jashore 60-year old businessman Dhirendra De was kidnapped and tortured by Islamists, who demanded 10,00,000 BDT as ransom. He was rescued by security personnel 2 hours later. https://www.prothomalo.com/bangladesh/district/65rh5637s8 07.01.2025 Shibchar, Madaripur Islamists had attacked ISKCON member Mabhab Das Brahmachari and his mother Ground Report from SAMID 09.01.2025 Chattagram Principal Chandan Mahajan of a secondary school was forced to resign on fabricated charges of blasphemy and corruption. A fellow teacher confirms that he was targeted for his Hindu identity. Report from Sanatan TV: https://www.facebook.com/share/153zEDnGrg/ : 09.01.2025 Kaliganj Upazila, Lalmonirhat So-called unknown miscreants had looted the pratima, puja utensils and parts of the CCTV from the Bhavataarini Mandir of the Tushbhandar Zamindar house. Ground report from SAMID 10.01.2025 Satkhira Bazar, Satkhira So-called unknown miscreants had killed all the cows of flower businessman Dilip Biswas by providing poisoned fodder or mixing poison in their fodder Ground report from SAMID 10.01.2025 Barabazar Area, Netrakona The mortal remains of 70-year old retired educator Dilip Kumar Roy was recovered from under his bed. Security personnel have ruled out any possibility of suicide. News report from Sharadesh 11.01.2025 Ward Number 8, Hatibandha Upazila, Lalmonirhat Islamists have surrounded and barricaded 8 Hindu families after occupying large-portions of their land. The surrounded Hindu families are being threatened to leave Bangladesh. Ground report from SAMID 12.01.2025 BhairavTali, Moulvibazar An islamist was caught by local Hindus while vandalising a pratima in a temple https://x.com/HinduVoice_in/status/1878450680001688005?t=1kuW_S8GDWjS4iSH_5q8zw&s=19 15.01.2025 Ward Number 8, Ramna Upazila, Barguna Local B.N.P. leader Abdul Salam and his goons had attempted to occupy the land of Sri Sri Radha Govinda Jiu temple. https://x.com/HinduVoice_in/status/1879519794241909094?t=cBz7CWr5b5JK4_AsPFdLtg&s=19 15.01.2020 NCTB Office, Dhaka Bangladesh At least 100 members of the secular sounding group “Students for Sovereignty” had attacked the indigenous Hindu, Buddhist and Christian janajaatis protesting peacefully against the removal of the term “Adivasi” and “some of the Adivasi-related contents” from the curriculum. At least 19 students were severely injured. Letter by IWGIA to the Chief Advisor of the Interim Government Dr. M. Yunus. 16.01.2025 Dhaka 7 more students were injured when the police used water cannons and baton-charged the peaceful students marching towards the Home Ministry. Letter by IWGIA to the Chief Advisor of the interim Government Dr. Yunus 16.01.2025 Malibag, Dhaka Islamists had attacked and vandalised a vegetarian restaurant named “Govinda’s Kitchen’. The mob was incited using social media. https://x.com/HinduVoice_in/status/1879925716474851826?t=qGRw9SEgEvY5P5uJ3GrJSg&s=19 16.01.2025 Battala, Gazipur So-called unknown miscreants had vandalised the pratima of a temple in the Boroitoli area. Ground report from SAMID 21.01.2025 Vurungamari Village, Kurigram Local Islamists have forcibly occupied a major portion of the Chaturbhuj Narayan Temple land, erected a fence and blocking off access to the temple road. https://x.com/HinduVoice_in/status/1881535249198243915?t=amwvDLswa2jD5ZCCueubqQ&s=19 21.01.2025 Kashiani, Gopalhanj Islamists had set a Hindu temple on fire, damaging the temple and reducing one of the pratimas to ashes. https://x.com/HinduVoice_in/status/1881696809695035541?t=cERDba121JsNRPgmaHxVmA&s=19 24.01.2025 Tentultala crossing, Khulna Hindu student Arnab Kumar Das was shot dead by extremists. https://www.opindia.com/2025/01/hindu-student-arnab-kumar-sarkar-murdered-khulna-bangladesh-details/#google_vignette 24.01.2025 Taratia Area, Tangail Several Saraswati pratimas were vandalised by so-called unknown miscreants. https://x.com/HinduVoice_in/status/1883136696197525944?t=QrGzf2edQtfMgIHCfrgVcQ&s=19 24.01.2025 Khulna Islamists had attacked the Shitala Bari temple in Khulna, vandalising the temple premises and threatening temple committee members. https://x.com/HinduVoice_in/status/1883014360718590207?t=gGg6zpthXtlPtTSnKGgE3g&s=19 25.01.2025 Langaldaria Village, Satkhira District The mortal remains of 35-year old Animesh Sarkar was found hanging from a tree. His family says that he was murdered by local Islamists. https://dailyinqilab.com/index.php/bangladesh/news/725880 24.01.2025 Bajitpur Upazila, Kishoreganj Islamists had set the 150-year-old Manasa Mata Temple on fire. https://x.com/HinduVoice_in/status/1883382239716622585?t=QqA6X7tNfZGtnhqIWCPb-A&s=19 27.01.2025 Daudkandi Upazila, Comilla A Muslim woman, disguised as a Hindu, entered the Sri Sri Gopinath Jiu Akhra temple and was caught while snatching a gold chain from a Hindu devotee. https://x.com/HinduVoice_in/status/1883844413811507484?t=Z7t_gFwc1WvrsRShKzKSJQ&s=19 27.01.2025 Panchagarh Islamists had attacked the financially challenged Hindus of Harijan colony. The local Kali temple and many of their houses were vandalised and looted. A few of the Hindu residents were beaten and tortured. The victims say that they have received no help from the police or administration till date. https://x.com/HinduVoice_in/status/1884163955008102833?t=JdObin3a9OwU51AejBtErw&s=19 28.01.2025 Tilakpur Village, Jaypurhat District Islamists and Madrasa students attacked and vandalised a club and the walls of a school ground for organising a women’s football tournament. Some Maulana invited the mob by saying, “Women should remain inside their homes. It’s Haram to play football.” https://x.com/HinduVoice_in/status/1884486761524740581?t=M7NbBtp9e4YrDASzsAFxgQ&s=19 29.01.2025 Hatiya Upazila, Noyakhali Islamists had attacked the house of gold trader Pranab Kumar, looting 350 gms of gold. https://x.com/HinduVoice_in/status/1884486761524740581?t=tJt2Mwq9y4BsKvGM6fcQ_g&s=19 31.01.2025 Dohar Upazila, Dhaka Islamists had attacked a Hindu family with an intention of driving them out and occupying their land. https://x.com/HinduVoice_in/status/1885293248710578297?s=19 31.01.2025 Bhatilaxmipur, Faridpur An Islamist had attacked a Hindu temple and attempted to flee after desecrating the pratima. He was caught by the villagers https://x.com/HinduVoice_in/status/1885542317303509473?t=UF90y9mfI1LaAMBul8Ijew&s=19 Murdered businessman Sudeb Halder Remains of a Hindu pratima set on fire Known attacks on Hindus in February, 2025 Date Place Short Description Source 01.02.2025 Shyamnagar Upazila, Satkhira Islamists had attacked the Saraswati Puja Mandap of a club, vandalising the pratima of Maa Saraswati. They also threw rubbish and dirt inside the mandap. https://x.com/HinduVoice_in/status/1886009347073008054?t=LpezqiBgMJ5BvH6dxWpGyg&s=19 03.02.2025 Iswardi Upazila, Pabna Islamists had attacked Hindu devotees celebrating Saraswati Puja. They assaulted Hindu women and vandalised the mandap and pratima. https://x.com/HinduVoice_in/status/1886709783623061945?t=toill2j4NMjhD7jaw511pQ&s=19 03.02.2025 Bauphal Upazila, Patuakhali 19-year old Iti Das committed suicide after being harassed and assaulted in public by Hridoy Raihan. Upon hearing complaints of harassment, the police had taken her and Hridoy to the Police Station for a “talk”, but did not arrest him. https://www.thedailystar.net/news/rganized/crime-justice/news/19-year-old-girl-dies-suicide-3816471 04.02.2025 Hathazari region, Chattagram Islamists had entered a local puja mandap in Fatika village during early morning and vandalised the pratima of Maa Saraswati https://x.com/HinduVoice_in/status/1886632367521194371?t=ROUijRo6-RoUyG_0mNANTw&s=19 05.02.2025 Fudki Para Village, Rajshahi Islamists had attacked the Saraswati Puja immersion procession. They assaulted Hindu women and children and vandalised the Saraswati Pratima and Mandap. https://x.com/HinduVoice_in/status/1887136886193561883?t=p_hVB7TdCY8zSr8Bjeynvg&s=19 03.02.2025 Chamtia Village, Natore The mortal remains of 30-year-old van driver Sukumar were found. He had his throat slit. https://hrcb.org/index.php/30-year-old-hindu-man-slit-throat-natore/ Between 1st and 7th February Hazari Haat, Saidpur Upazila, Nilphamari Islamists had forcibly occupied the crematorium grounds of the local Hindu community. No decisive action was taken by the administration. Ground reports from local Hindu organisations 07.02.2025 Moukhali Village, Nazirpur Upazila, Pirojpur Senior Citizen Lakshmi Rani Bhakta was murdered at midnight while guarding her deceased husband’s house. Hindu activists allege that she was murdered by Islamists, who wanted to grab her land. https://x.com/Nilsavehindus/status/1888112530901364825?t=Wn5V6cIZvlVypQa3Co4hJA&s=19 07.02.2025 Sahapara, Comilla District Islamists had attempted to attack a temple inauguration ceremony, while threatening to commit mass murder. The temple authorities were forced to stop the inauguration ceremony. Ground Repo from Satyam Sangha, a local Hindu organisation 07.02.2025 Tala, Satkhira A female Hindu student of Kapil Muni College was abducted from her college. Her family had filed a case at the Police Station. But no action was taken. The police remained mute spectators as the perpetrators threatened to murder her and her family in front of them. Testimonies from local Government officials and Ground Reports from minority welfare groups. 07.02.2025 Kaunia Upazila, Rangpur District 25-year old Anata Roy was arrested under highly suspicious allegations of blasphemy. https://sokalerbani.com/news/14824/print/ 08.02.2025 Lalmonirhat Government College Educator Deb Dulal Guha was assaulted by his own students for expressing his concerns about the worsening situation in Bangladesh on social media. Eggs were hurled at them. He was rescued by police and DB officials. https://www.citynewsdhaka.com/country/news/75128 09.02.2025 Gopalpur So-called unknown miscreants had broken the lock of the donation box of the Gopalpur Sarbojonin Shitala Mata Temple and looted all its contents. Ground reports from local Hindu organisations. 11.02 2025 Ratil Purbapara Village, Kashiani Upazila, Gopalganj Islamists vandalised the Radha-Krishna, Lakshmi, Loknath and 2 other idols in a family temple of Prashanta Kumar Sheel. https://x.com/HinduVoice_in/status/1889348779331174568?t=Krej7sB2Ura-WcysPiayWA&s=19 10.02.2025 Palash, Narsingdi 20-year-old Ananta Kumar Dhar was arrested on dubious charges of blasphemy. An Islamist mob had surrounded his house https://x.com/HinduVoice_in/status/1889565532044787941?t=XF5DLk6bjAxpbU1P31OETA&s=19 11.02.2025 Barkamta Village, Debidwar Upazila, Comilla Local strongman and leader Nurul Islam is attempting to grab the remaining land of Anil Dutta. He and his goons had attacked Anil Dutta and his nephew, injuring them both. Victim testimonies. 12.02 2025 Devidwar Upazila, Pabna Islamists had hurled bricks at a Harinaam Sankirtan event, injuring several women devotees. https://x.com/HinduVoice_in/status/1889896776641245672?t=kAmUnZIXLMsIKG2po66dJg&s=19 12.02.2025 Jamalganj Upazila, Sunamganj District Over 100 Islamists led by Abdus Sobhon, Ekram Ullah, Rustam Ali and Lal Mia had launched an attack on the Hindu residents of Rajabaj village with the intention of displacing them from their lands. At least 15 Hindus have suffered severe injuries and 13 of them had to be hospitalised. Ground reports, testimonies from victims and hospital staff 14.02.2025 Sahapara, Shariktala Union, Pirojpur So-called unknown miscreants had attempted to burn down the house of Sameer Saha and Kala Saha by pouring petrol for the second time. The aggressors intended to burn the entire Saha family alive. Ground reports from minority welfare organisations and victim testimonies. 12.02.2025 Sholohati, Dhaka Islamists broke the lock of the Sholohati Durga Temple at night and vandalised the Durga Pratima. Ground reports and testimonies from locals. 14.02.2025 Haluaghat, MymenSingh Islamists have chopped off the head of a pratima of Maa Kali. https://www.dailyjanakantha.com/rganized/news/772520?fbclid=IwY2xjawIbAkhleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHQ2wK8fC7HoaOqHx_5JvHgvguxz-VGFqQuYd_aKOpU5leLXcepU6iAGAoA_aem_gDXlErmeKorqFaSmLWqYXA 7th to 14th February, 2025 Nabiganj Upazila, Habiganj Islamists led by local leaders and strongmen like Ruhel Mia, Khalish Mia and Sujon Mia are attempting to occupy the crematorium grounds of Hindus by force. The terrified local Hindus have received no support from the police or the administration. Testimonies of victims and a local Government official 15.02.2025 Samantakathi Village, Nazirpur Upazila, Pirojpur Islamists had attacked a Hindu temple and a nearby Hindu-owned shop. At least 10 Hindus resisting the attack were injured. https://bangla.bdnews24.com/samagrabangladesh/26b2ea871297 16.02.2025 Puratan Munshirhat, Feni Islamists had attacked the Shri Krishna Naam Yajna event at the Shri Shri Geeta Temple, vandalising the temple gate. Ground Report and victim testimonies 17.02.2025 Patuakhali So-called “unknown miscreants” had vandalised and robbed the historic Sri Sri Jaytara and Shitala Mata Mandir twice within 2 days. Local media reports 17.02.2025 Kapasia Bazar, Gazipur District Local Islamists are attempting to occupy a property adjacent to the Hari Temple in Kapasia Bazar by force. They have ignored the Supreme Court order and have vandalised the properties belonging to Hindus in the neighbourhood. The Kapasia Bazar Association has remained silent. https://x.com/HinduVoice_in/status/1891740901426487327?t=mQDtaxZMMcZu4WGTefzJ0Q&s=19 17.02.2025 Bori Village, Netrakona District Islamists had burnt down the cowshed of Ripan Sarkar. Four of his cows were burnt to death. https://x.com/HinduVoice_in/status/1891792583527145653?t=1Xs-T_O9XpwIXlzLN9LzMQ&s=19 18.02.2025 Hatiya Upazila, Noakhali Islamists had burnt the fishing boat of a poor Hindu family, depriving them of their only means of livelihood. https://x.com/HinduVoice_in/status/1892443291569832141?t=kvsgw0RH7sXOJpl7iEAWwA&s=19 19.02.2025 Bakshiganj Upazila, Jamalpur District Islamists attacked a Hindu family to grab their shop. The defenseless Hindus were beaten, and their shop was vandalised and looted. The Police remained mute spectators after receiving the complaint. https://x.com/HinduVoice_in/status/1892438006109237290?t=FNzGo9Zi4kst_VRKPJWUuw&s=19 20.02.2025 Parbatipur, Chandipur Union, Dinajpur Hindu political leader Bharat Chandra Roy was murdered by beheading. https://x.com/HinduVoice_in/status/1892587881652273387?t=CyCJZb1ErLKaiYRS5Y1RnA&s=19 20.02.2025 Natore A Hindu woman was gangraped by armed Muslim robbers while travelling from Dhaka to Rajshahi by bus. After the robbery, the robbers had asked whether there were any Hindus in the bus. After determining her Hindu identity, they dragged her to the back seat of the bus and gang raped her. They severely beat her husband who tried to resist. https://www.bbc.com/rganiz/articles/cjd35n58y7jo?fbclid=IwY2xjawIlHfxleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHYK0SGxK-N4zQjGpzp6cEPvsxJD4R_ctsOfSsloupFZm3npjkm9iRa7fiQ_aem_5iSzbtlXRRIpu33p0U76Rw 20.02.2025 Mithapukur, Rangpur Awami League leader Akhtaruzzaman Sohag had allegedly occupied the ancestral property of Palash Saha. With the police and administration turning a blind eye, the Saha family was forced to organise a press conference demanding justice. Victim testimonies in the press conference. 21.02.2025 Parbatipur, Dinajpur Rifat Hossain had attacked an 80-year old Hindu priest with a screwdriver. He was arrested but was later released on the frequently used pretext of “being mentally challenged”. Ground report by local Hindu organisations. 21.02.2025 Dilalpur Area, Pabna Sadar Islamists had attacked a Kali Mata temple, vandalising the pratima of Maa Kali. https://x.com/HinduVoice_in/status/1893303620369596459?t=X_pLw3Ck3d2NEFK7L5FwgQ&s=19 23.02.2025 Nalerchar Village, Noakhali So-called “unknown miscreants” had burnt down the house of a Hindu family during the night. https://x.com/HinduVoice_in/status/1893892171834536032?t=wIRwr6QuhaIvyt82eNuuIA&s=19 28.02.2025 Auliapur Village, Patuakhali District 22 Hindu families and a Hindu temple were attacked by armed Islamist robbers. They took away everything including gas cylinders and utensils for cooking and eating. https://x.com/HinduVoice_in/status/1895312038697501011?t=KA9Z4gjijUbVC7z5pxXNfA&s=19 27.02.2025 Balapara Village, Dimla Upazila, Nilphamari Islamists Abdul Kuddus and Saminur Rahman had abducted and gangraped a minor Hindu girl. https://hinduvoice.in/bangladesh-islamists-abduct-and-gangrape-a-14-years-old-minor-hindu-girl-in-nilphamari/ A vandalised Hindu pratima in MymenSingh The burnt down cowshed of Ripan Sarkar in Netrakona with one of his burnt to death cows Known Attacks on Hindus till 20th March 2025 Date Place Short Description Source 03/03/2025 Kamranga region, Rampur Union, Chandpur A group of 10-15 Islamists had assaulted and attempted to rape the women and looted the gold ornaments of the women and children of Manik Shil’s family. Ground reports from minority welfare organisations. 07/03/2025 Dhaka Banned terror group Hizb-ut-Tahrir organized a huge rally in Dhaka with demands for establishing a Khilafat in Bangladesh. Slogans claiming that there is no place for non-Muslims in Allah’s world were given. https://www.indiatoday.in/world/story/march-for-khilafat-bangladesh-hizb-ut-tahrir-hut-dhaka-islamist-group-2024-india-banned-2690774-2025-03-08 Since at least 08/03/2025 Bolabaria Village, Ashashuni Upazila, Satkhira Islamists Hadi, Majid, Samad and Ahidul are targeting the fisheries of a Hindu family and looting fish. They are attempting to occupy their ancestral 28-bighas of prime pisciculture land. Threatened them to leave their house. The family has received no support from the police or administration. https://x.com/HinduVoice_in/status/1898262203137957930 08/03/2025 Auliapur Union, Thakurgaon 8-year-old Anika Roy was raped by Muhammad Muzammil Haque. https://x.com/IndiaTodayNE/status/1899019543328030990 09/03/2025 Nayarhat Bazar, Dhaka Armed Muslim robbers had murdered gold trader Dilip Das in front of his wife and looted all the gold from his shop. https://www.opindia.com/2025/03/bangladesh-hindu-gold-trader-robbed-hacked-to-death-in-front-of-his-wife/ 09/03/2025 Subidpur Village, Madhabpur Upazila, Habiganj A Hindu college student M. Sarkar was abducted from her home by a group of Islamists, who have kept her captive. https://x.com/HinduVoice_in/status/1899292224577589730 11/03/2025 Lakhirpar Village, Kotalipara Upazila, Gopalganj 22-year Pias Majumdar was murdered by armed Muslim robbers. He was found with his hands, feet and face tied. https://hrcb.org/index.php/hindu-youth-murdered-house-looted-by-muslim-terrorists-in-gopalganj/ 12/03/2025 Borolekha, Srihatta 3 year old Srabanti Pal was raped by Redwan Islam Arif. Srabanti’s family was attacked by Redwan’s family, when Redwan’s mother attempted to snatch away her soiled and mutilated underwear. https://x.com/VladAdiReturns/status/1899872192512614442?t=79lOVqjq97YqbNXmJi0GOg&s=19 11/03/2025 Noakhali Videos of madrasa students threatening hotel and restaurant owners to stop doing business in daytime during Ramzan went viral across social media platforms like X and Facebook. https://x.com/HinduVoice_in/status/1899475910245654968 12/03/2025 Netrakona Influencer Muhmmad Jobayed had uploaded a video of him breaking Hindu pratimas on social media. He was arrested from Netrakona on 15/03/2025. https://x.com/HinduVoice_in/status/1900963277490057263 12/03/2025 Fokdoi Village, Boda Upazila, Panchagarh District Islamists had burnt down the houses of 8 Hindu families, leaving them with nothing. https://x.com/HinduVoice_in/status/1900209083053203802 14/03/2025 Jagannath Dev Temple, Motlab. Chandpur Islamists had attacked Hindu devotees celebrating Holi, injuring several of them, including 30-year old Bithi Rani. No action has been taken against the attackers. https://www.prothomalo.com/bangladesh/district/zgyk19grn2 15/03/2025 Choto Mayerkol Village, Sunamganj Islamists have burnt down the house of a Hindu family for failing to pay their quota of Jaziya-like extortion money. https://x.com/HinduVoice_in/status/1900622011170517326 16/03/2025 Murihata Area, Lakshmipur Islamist Zakir Hussain vandalised the pratima at the Mahamaya temple at night. https://x.com/HinduVoice_in/status/1901155721145970723 16/03/2025 NasirNagar Upazila, Brahmanbaria 26-year-old businessman Nayan Chandra Das was abducted within 10 days of his marriage. The kidnappers had demanded a ransom of 10,00,000 BDT and threatened to kill him if the ransom was not paid. https://www.opindia.com/news-updates/hindu-businessman-nayan-chandra-das-abducted-ranson-demanded-nasirnagar-brahmanbaria-bangladesh-details/ 16/03/2025 Rahimabad Village, Narsingdi Rakib Miya had raped the wife of Ajit Chandra Debnath, who is a mother of 3 children. His 2 friends have recorded the atrocity and they are blackmailing the violated woman. They also looted her jewellery and continued to give death threats to her and her family. Reports from local media houses Kalbela 17/03/2025 Kasuakhali Union, Lakshmipur Islamists had set fire to at least one Hindu house during the night. At least one Hindu person has suffered burn injuries. https://x.com/HinduVoice_in/status/1902022725578928444 18/03/2025 Mithapukur Upazila Rangpur Class 6 student Bobby Rani was raped by Muhammad Alam while returning from school. Ground report from SanatanTV 20/03/2025 Radhaganj, Gopalganj An aged Hindu woman was severely beaten by Yunus Sheikh, Mitul Sheikh and Biplab Sheikh https://x.com/Nilsavehindus/status/1902457993733787816 20/03/2025 Kalkini area, Madaripur The house of a Hindu family was burnt down by so-called unknown miscreants. https://x.com/HinduVoice_in/status/1903010564202434615?t=GBu--K3VlwLj1RKvKP3V6A&s=19 Another Helpless Hindu victim of Islamists The stunned silence of a mother with her violated child on her lap Conclusion The atrocities against Hindus have not reduced with time. Nor has the severity of the crimes reduced. Urgent action is needed from the International Community to ensure the survival of the remaining 1.3 crore indigenous Hindus of Bangladesh. Islamists and their extremist ideology have emerged as an existential threat to native Bengali culture. The atrocities against Hindus should not be regarded as a mere act of conquest or invasion but as a coordinated attempt to wipe out the native sons and daughters of the soil along with every recognisable trace of their culture, customs and traditions. References [1] Genocide of Hindus and Buddhists in East Pakistan (Bangladesh) by A. Roy, Kranti Prakashan, 1985 [2] Genocide in East Pakistan/Bangladesh by S. K. Bhattacharyya, A. Ghosh, 1987 [3] Keno Udbastu Hote Holo by Debojyoti Ray, Kolkata: Vivekananda Sahitya Kendra, 2005 [4] “Moslem-Hindu Violence Flares Again” by Brady Thomas F. on April 5th, 1964, The New York Times [5] Rape as Genocide: Bangladesh, the former Yugoslavia and Rwanda by Lisa Scharlach, New Political Science, 2000 [6] Mass-Rape and the inscription of gendered and racial domination during the Bangladesh War of 1971 by Nayanika Mookherjee chapter in Rape in Wartime, Palgrave Macmillan, 2012 [7] Nation Building, Gender and War Crimes in South-Asia by Bina D’Costa, Routledge, [8] https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2003/jul/21/bangladesh [9] https://www.hinduamerican.org/projects/human-rights-report/bangladesh-2021 [10] Deprivation of Hindu Minority in Bangladesh: Living with Vested Property, Pathak Shamabesh, 2008 [11] https://swarajyamag.com/world/terror-timeline-attacks-on-hindus-in-bangladesh-are-not-isolated-incidents-but-part-of-a-continuous-hindu-genocide [12] https://www.newagebd.net/article/125830/149-hindus-killed-in-different-incidents-in-2020 [13] https://www.google.com/amp/s/en.prothomalo.com/amp/story/bangladesh/97chuvmupe [14] https://swarajyamag.com/news-brief/at-least-50-hindu-teachers-forced-to-resign-in-bangladesh-amid-attacks-on-minorities-following-sheikh-hasinas-ouster [15] https://x.com/AshwiniSahaya/status/1853887091320750203?t=bIzkdJfFyI6Et2u701RbRQ&s=19 [15] https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.indiatoday.in/amp/world/story/bangladesh-hindu-community-discrimination-force-resignation-love-trap-sheikh-hasina-2623891-2024-10-27 [16] https://x.com/HinduVoice_in/status/1825192319227662351?t=fM0dBR4SNxBNnmVOQvy_-g&s=19 [17]https://x.com/VladAdiReturns/status/1898586821719740708?t=to2RqbQttmbAOUCuLZXRoA&s=19 [18] https://en.prothomalo.com/bangladesh/6q0qrcdfkg [19] https://en.prothomalo.com/bangladesh/pldo83ldm4 [20] https://www.firstpost.com/explainers/bangladesh-protesters-target-popular-newspaper-prothom-alo-13839042.html All the images are provided by the author.

Mar 25, 2025
Major General Harsha Kakar

Multiple Complications in Ukraine Peace Talks

Ignoring Europe and Ukraine, Trump spoke to Putin to determine a way forward for ending the three-year-old conflict. The US handout read “The leaders agreed that the movement to peace will begin with an energy and infrastructure ceasefire.” Talks on a “maritime ceasefire, full ceasefire and permanent peace” will soon commence. There was also discussion on normalisation of US-Russia ties including cooperation in the Middle East, where Russia backs Iran. The 30-day ceasefire as desired by Trump never happened. The Kremlin in its readout mentioned that Putin declared his readiness towards ending the conflict. It added that Putin “outlined a number of significant points regarding ensuring effective control over a possible ceasefire along the entire line of contact.” A major condition placed by Putin was the “‘cessation of foreign military aid and provision of intelligence information to Kyiv.” It was reported that Putin delayed the commencement of talks by an hour, displaying he holds the key. The two nations are submitting a list of energy infrastructures which would not be attacked. The partial ceasefire will be effective once lists are accepted. Many European nations believe that Putin has no intent on peace unless it is on Russian terms. On the contrary, Russian diplomats mention that Moscow desires lasting peace with a permanent solution, not short-term measures. Trump also had a “fantastic” conversation with the Ukrainian President, Zelensky. This was their first conversation after the debacle in the White House in February end. Trump agreed to help Ukraine source additional Patriot air defence systems and also provide intelligence, contrary to Putin’s demand. Zelensky thanked Trump for his support, accepted the partial ceasefire, and later tweeted, “lasting peace can be achieved this year.” They also discussed possible US-Ukraine joint ownership of Ukraine’s nuclear power plants, which also involves indirect security guarantees for Ukraine. Subsequently, Zelensky turned down this suggestion. Ukrainian forces are currently trapped in Kursk, a concern for Kyiv and a subject Trump discussed with Putin. A multitude of European politicians, speaking at the Raisina Dialogue in Delhi, mentioned that any poorly negotiated peace agreement would backfire. Zelensky has been keeping European nations informed on the progress of talks. However, their chances of being involved in final negotiations are remote. This displays how Trump views declining European power. Putin is in no hurry to accept a ceasefire. For him, regaining control of Kursk is paramount, thus removing any bargaining chip of Ukraine. He is aware of manpower problems being faced by Kyiv. Russia has also had losses and some of its oil refineries have been damaged by Ukrainian drones but the nation has the depth, reserves and economy to continue pursuing the conflict. Ukraine is being blackmailed by the US to bend and accept its terms. Also, Russia’s alliances with China, Iran and North Korea, all of whom are a major threat to the West. For Trump, isolating Iran and China from Russia are priority. Trump, in his comments even prior to his discussion with Putin, had already hinted towards accepting most of Moscow’s terms, including no entry of Ukraine into NATO, no formal security guarantees as also surrendering some occupied territory to Russia, though he did not mention to what extent. Thus, Putin is in a position to lay down new terms and conditions, which he would as negotiations get underway. Trump had also hinted at normalising ties with Russia. Putin would therefore demand the lifting of sanctions, the return of seized Russian assets as also increased US investments. US defence secretary, Pete Hegseth, had warned Europe of US intentions to concentrate in the Indo-Pacific, adding to Putin’s cards. With Trump pushing for a mineral deal with Ukraine and partial ownership of its nuclear plants, the US would be ensuring some aspects of security guarantees. US presence in Ukraine would be part of bargaining as talks get underway. To add insult to injury, Putin demanded that further dialogue not involve Ukraine or Europe. The Russian readout mentioned, “The leaders confirmed their intention to continue efforts to achieve a Ukrainian settlement in a bilateral mode.” While Trump has assured Ukraine that it would be at the table, Putin has other views. How would it play out to can be seen. Sticky points in the future discussion would include military and intelligence support from the West, Ukraine possessing sufficient military power to safeguard itself, deployment of a peacekeeping force and Ukraine adopting an independent foreign policy, devoid of Russian influence. European nations are intent on deploying their troops as peacekeepers, while Russia is unwilling. Putin wants a subservient Ukraine, while Europe seeks a Ukraine which acts as a buffer between Russia and its possible expansionism in Europe. It believes Putin has no intention of adhering to a lasting ceasefire. The Norwegian Foreign Minister, Espen Eide, summed up Europe’s views when he mentioned at the Raisina Dialogue in Delhi, “There is a certain wariness, at least, that too much will be given in order to get the Russians to the table.” Added is the concern that Putin would outsmart Trump. The US has its own interests in ending the war. Finding a solution satisfying all may not be simple. A further factor is Trump’s patience in prolonged negotiations. He had earlier warned that if peace is not forthcoming, he would impose additional crippling sanctions on Russia. He had tweeted a week earlier, “I am strongly considering large scale Banking Sanctions, Sanctions, and Tariffs on Russia until a Cease Fire and FINAL SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT ON PEACE IS REACHED.” Putin is aware and hence his initial acceptance of a partial ceasefire. He knows how far to push Trump and for how long. While Putin is currently cruising steadily, aware he holds the cards, Trump has the power to damage the Russian economy, if talks do not progress at his pace. Ukraine has little ability to influence decisions, apart from accepting Trump’s offer of partial security guarantees. Kyiv needs security backing, funding for reconstruction and enhancing its military power to avoid coming under Russian control. Europe is keen to get involved in negotiations and also deploy peacekeepers, which Russia does not desire, while the US wants them to provide security guarantees. These multiple contradictions will take time to resolve. The priority is to stop the war and bring about a ceasefire. Interestingly, the UN is missing. First published in The Statesman. Republished with the permission of the author.