A Hindu man in Bangladesh suffered serious injuries after allegedly being attacked by a group of assailants who stabbed him and set him on fire, in a case that has once again drawn attention to the growing insecurity faced by religious minorities in the country. The victim, 50-year-old Khokon Das, was reportedly on his way home on December 31 when he was stopped by a mob in Shariatpur district. According to local reports, the attackers assaulted him with sharp weapons, beat him severely, doused him with petrol, and then set him ablaze.&nbsp;Despite suffering multiple stab wounds and burn injuries, Das managed to save his life by jumping into a nearby pond. He was later pulled out by residents and taken to Shariatpur Sadar Hospital, where doctors described his condition as critical. The incident occurred around the same time External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar visited Dhaka to attend the funeral of former Bangladeshi prime minister Khaleda Zia. During the visit, Jaishankar delivered a condolence message from Prime Minister Narendra Modi to BNP leader Tarique Rahman.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/human-radar-man-sits-on-moving-car-bonnet-to-guide-driver-through-zero-visibility-fog-internet-reacts-1767267578124">Human radar? Man sits on moving car bonnet to guide driver through zero-visibility fog, internet reacts</a>&nbsp;Following the visit, Bangladesh expressed hope for renewed engagement with India. Bangladesh’s High Commissioner to India, Riaz Hamidullah, said on social media that both countries were aiming to strengthen ties based on shared interests, pragmatism, and mutual dependence.<h2>Growing attacks on minority communities</h2>This incident is part of a broader pattern of violence targeting Hindus in Bangladesh. In recent weeks, unrest following the killing of youth leader Sharif Osman Hadi has led to multiple mob attacks. In Mymensingh, garment worker Dipu Chandra Das was reportedly beaten to death and his body burned by a mob, with bystanders filming the attack.&nbsp;In another case on December 24, 29-year-old Amrit Mondal was allegedly lynched in the Hossaindanga area of Kalimohar Union. Separately, a 40-year-old Hindu man was killed after being shot inside a garment factory in what police termed an accidental discharge by a coworker.&nbsp;India’s Ministry of External Affairs has said that nearly 2,900 incidents involving attacks on minorities have been recorded since Bangladesh came under an interim government. Bangladesh, currently under a transitional administration headed by Nobel Peace Prize winner Muhammad Yunus, is navigating political uncertainty amid preparations for elections, while deteriorating law and order has heightened fear among minority communities.

Another Hindu man attacked, set ablaze by mob in Bangladesh: Reports

A Hindu man in Bangladesh suffered serious injuries after allegedly being attacked by a group of assailants who stabbed him and set him on fire, in a case that has once again drawn attention to the growing insecurity faced by religious minorities in the country. The victim, 50-year-old Khokon Das, was reportedly on his way home on December 31 when he was stopped by a mob in Shariatpur district. According to local reports, the attackers assaulted him with sharp weapons, beat him severely, doused him with petrol, and then set him ablaze. Despite suffering multiple stab wounds and burn injuries, Das managed to save his life by jumping into a nearby pond. He was later pulled out by residents and taken to Shariatpur Sadar Hospital, where doctors described his condition as critical. The incident occurred around the same time External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar visited Dhaka to attend the funeral of former Bangladeshi prime minister Khaleda Zia. During the visit, Jaishankar delivered a condolence message from Prime Minister Narendra Modi to BNP leader Tarique Rahman. Also Read: Human radar? Man sits on moving car bonnet to guide driver through zero-visibility fog, internet reacts Following the visit, Bangladesh expressed hope for renewed engagement with India. Bangladesh’s High Commissioner to India, Riaz Hamidullah, said on social media that both countries were aiming to strengthen ties based on shared interests, pragmatism, and mutual dependence. Growing attacks on minority communities This incident is part of a broader pattern of violence targeting Hindus in Bangladesh. In recent weeks, unrest following the killing of youth leader Sharif Osman Hadi has led to multiple mob attacks. In Mymensingh, garment worker Dipu Chandra Das was reportedly beaten to death and his body burned by a mob, with bystanders filming the attack. In another case on December 24, 29-year-old Amrit Mondal was allegedly lynched in the Hossaindanga area of Kalimohar Union. Separately, a 40-year-old Hindu man was killed after being shot inside a garment factory in what police termed an accidental discharge by a coworker. India’s Ministry of External Affairs has said that nearly 2,900 incidents involving attacks on minorities have been recorded since Bangladesh came under an interim government. Bangladesh, currently under a transitional administration headed by Nobel Peace Prize winner Muhammad Yunus, is navigating political uncertainty amid preparations for elections, while deteriorating law and order has heightened fear among minority communities.

A Hindu man was critically injured after a mob attack in Bangladesh. This comes in the wake of growing violence and insecurity faced by minority communities

Bangladesh's Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Sunday (Dec 28) dismissed India's concerns of targeted attacks on minorities in the country, saying that the statements made by the Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) do not represent the ground reality. Dhaka made these claims despite recent incidents reported widely across the media and a report by The Human Rights Congress for Bangladesh Minorities (HRCBM) flagging a sharp rise in attacks against minorities, especially Hindus. "Our attention has been drawn to the recent comments made by the Spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs of India regarding the situation of the minority communities in Bangladesh. His comments do not reflect the facts. The Government of Bangladesh categorically rejects any inaccurate, exaggerated, or motivated narratives that misrepresent Bangladesh's longstanding tradition of communal harmony," the statement from the Bangladesh foreign ministry read. Dhaka further alleged that "isolated incidents of criminal" acts are being portrayed as "systemic persecution of the Hindus" to propagate anti-Bangladesh sentiments in parts of India. "We observe a selective and unfair bias in certain quarters, where isolated incidents are amplified, misrepresented and propagated to incite common Indians against Bangladesh, its diplomatic missions and other establishments in India," the statement added.&nbsp;Bangladesh's response comes after the Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, during the weekly briefing on Friday, said the “unremitting hostility” against minorities in Bangladesh was a “matter of grave concern”.<h2>Report flags sharp rise in attacks on Hindus</h2>The Human Rights Congress for Bangladesh Minorities (HRCBM) has raised serious concerns in its latest report, warning that unfounded blasphemy accusations are increasingly being used to harass minorities, seize their property and, in some cases, kill them.&nbsp;According to the report, 73 false blasphemy-related cases were recorded across 32 districts between June and December 2025, with Hindu minorities emerging as the primary targets. The incidents involved beatings, lynchings and illegal occupation of property.&nbsp;The organisation said such allegations are often deployed as a pretext to settle personal vendettas or conceal disputes over land and other assets. The report documents each case in detail, listing the victims’ names, locations and dates, and also includes the killing of Dipu Das. &nbsp;

The Bangladesh Foreign Ministry voiced concern over what it called a systematic effort to portray isolated criminal incidents as organised attacks against Hindus.

Bangladesh's Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Sunday (Dec 28) dismissed India's concerns of targeted attacks on minorities in the country, saying that the statements made by the Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) do not represent the ground reality. Dhaka made these claims despite recent incidents reported widely across the media and a report by The Human Rights Congress for Bangladesh Minorities (HRCBM) flagging a sharp rise in attacks against minorities, especially Hindus. "Our attention has been drawn to the recent comments made by the Spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs of India regarding the situation of the minority communities in Bangladesh. His comments do not reflect the facts. The Government of Bangladesh categorically rejects any inaccurate, exaggerated, or motivated narratives that misrepresent Bangladesh's longstanding tradition of communal harmony," the statement from the Bangladesh foreign ministry read. Dhaka further alleged that "isolated incidents of criminal" acts are being portrayed as "systemic persecution of the Hindus" to propagate anti-Bangladesh sentiments in parts of India. "We observe a selective and unfair bias in certain quarters, where isolated incidents are amplified, misrepresented and propagated to incite common Indians against Bangladesh, its diplomatic missions and other establishments in India," the statement added. Bangladesh's response comes after the Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, during the weekly briefing on Friday, said the “unremitting hostility” against minorities in Bangladesh was a “matter of grave concern”. Report flags sharp rise in attacks on Hindus The Human Rights Congress for Bangladesh Minorities (HRCBM) has raised serious concerns in its latest report, warning that unfounded blasphemy accusations are increasingly being used to harass minorities, seize their property and, in some cases, kill them. According to the report, 73 false blasphemy-related cases were recorded across 32 districts between June and December 2025, with Hindu minorities emerging as the primary targets. The incidents involved beatings, lynchings and illegal occupation of property. The organisation said such allegations are often deployed as a pretext to settle personal vendettas or conceal disputes over land and other assets. The report documents each case in detail, listing the victims’ names, locations and dates, and also includes the killing of Dipu Das.

The Bangladesh Foreign Ministry voiced concern over what it called a systematic effort to portray isolated criminal incidents as organised attacks against Hindus.

Bangladesh calls attacks on minorities ‘isolated criminal acts’, downplays India’s concerns

Two prime suspects in the murder of Bangladesh student leader Sharif Osman Hadi fled to India via the Haluaghat border in Mymensingh district, which is connected to Meghalaya, after perpetrating the act, the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) claimed on Sunday (Dec 28). Additional Commissioner S N Nuzrul Islam, during a media briefing at DMP media centre, said the suspects, Faisal Karim Masud and Alamgir Sheikh, crossed into the Indian state of Meghalaya with the help of local associates, as reported by the Daily Star.&nbsp;“According to our information, the suspects entered India via the Haluaghat border. After crossing, they were initially received by an individual named Purti. Later, a taxi driver named Sami transported them to Tura city in Meghalaya," Nazrul Islam said.&nbsp;Nazrul Islam further claimed that they have received informal reports suggesting that the two individuals who helped the suspects, Purti and Sami, have been detained by Indian authorities. He added that the Bangladesh government is engaged with India through both formal and informal channels to secure the return of the suspects.&nbsp;“We are maintaining communication with Indian authorities through both formal and informal channels to ensure their arrest and extradition," he said.<h2>India rejects claims</h2>The Border Security Force (BSF) and Meghalaya police strongly rejected these claims, describing them as "baseless and misleading", and said that they haven't received any communication from the Bangladesh regarding the said individuals.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amid-spiralling-debt-crisis-pakistan-to-sell-1bn-fauji-foundation-stake-to-uae-pakistan-economy-pakistan-economic-crisis-pakistan-army-1766918849837">Amid spiralling debt crisis, Pakistan to sell $1bn Fauji Foundation stake to UAE</a>“There is no evidence whatsoever of these individuals crossing the international border from the Haluaghat sector into Meghalaya. No such incident has been detected or reported by the BSF. These claims are baseless and misleading,” BSF Inspector General O P Upadhayay said.&nbsp;The slain activist Osman Hadi was a leading political figure and was known for his sharp criticism of India and the Awami League. He rose to prominence during violent student-led agitation in 2024, known as the July mass uprising, which resulted in the collapse of the Sheikh Hasina-led Bangladesh government.&nbsp;Hadi launched a political outfit named Inqilab Mancha, intended to contest the upcoming national elections in February 2026. He was shot in the head by masked assailants in Dhaka on December 12 and died six years later while receiving treatment in Singapore. Osman Hadi's killing sparked widespread violence across the country, particularly in Dhaka, targeting Awami League supporters and Hindu minorities in the country.&nbsp;Protesters went on a rampage during the unrest, ransacking the offices of leading newspapers such as The Daily Star, Prothom Alo and New Age, setting parts of the buildings on fire and disrupting printing operations. Demonstrators also torched or damaged other sites, including the historic cultural centre Chhayanaut and remnants of key political buildings, while in Rajshahi, crowds used heavy machinery, including a bulldozer, to demolish an Awami League party office.

The Dhaka Metropolitan Police claimed that two prime suspects in the murder of Bangladeshi political activist Sharif Osman Hadi escaped to India via the Meghalaya border following the killing.

Two prime suspects in the murder of Bangladesh student leader Sharif Osman Hadi fled to India via the Haluaghat border in Mymensingh district, which is connected to Meghalaya, after perpetrating the act, the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) claimed on Sunday (Dec 28). Additional Commissioner S N Nuzrul Islam, during a media briefing at DMP media centre, said the suspects, Faisal Karim Masud and Alamgir Sheikh, crossed into the Indian state of Meghalaya with the help of local associates, as reported by the Daily Star. “According to our information, the suspects entered India via the Haluaghat border. After crossing, they were initially received by an individual named Purti. Later, a taxi driver named Sami transported them to Tura city in Meghalaya," Nazrul Islam said. Nazrul Islam further claimed that they have received informal reports suggesting that the two individuals who helped the suspects, Purti and Sami, have been detained by Indian authorities. He added that the Bangladesh government is engaged with India through both formal and informal channels to secure the return of the suspects. “We are maintaining communication with Indian authorities through both formal and informal channels to ensure their arrest and extradition," he said. India rejects claims The Border Security Force (BSF) and Meghalaya police strongly rejected these claims, describing them as "baseless and misleading", and said that they haven't received any communication from the Bangladesh regarding the said individuals. Also Read: Amid spiralling debt crisis, Pakistan to sell $1bn Fauji Foundation stake to UAE “There is no evidence whatsoever of these individuals crossing the international border from the Haluaghat sector into Meghalaya. No such incident has been detected or reported by the BSF. These claims are baseless and misleading,” BSF Inspector General O P Upadhayay said. The slain activist Osman Hadi was a leading political figure and was known for his sharp criticism of India and the Awami League. He rose to prominence during violent student-led agitation in 2024, known as the July mass uprising, which resulted in the collapse of the Sheikh Hasina-led Bangladesh government. Hadi launched a political outfit named Inqilab Mancha, intended to contest the upcoming national elections in February 2026. He was shot in the head by masked assailants in Dhaka on December 12 and died six years later while receiving treatment in Singapore. Osman Hadi's killing sparked widespread violence across the country, particularly in Dhaka, targeting Awami League supporters and Hindu minorities in the country. Protesters went on a rampage during the unrest, ransacking the offices of leading newspapers such as The Daily Star, Prothom Alo and New Age, setting parts of the buildings on fire and disrupting printing operations. Demonstrators also torched or damaged other sites, including the historic cultural centre Chhayanaut and remnants of key political buildings, while in Rajshahi, crowds used heavy machinery, including a bulldozer, to demolish an Awami League party office.

The Dhaka Metropolitan Police claimed that two prime suspects in the murder of Bangladeshi political activist Sharif Osman Hadi escaped to India via the Meghalaya border following the killing.

2 suspects in Osman Hadi murder case escaped to Meghalaya, says Bangladesh police; Indian authorities reject claims

During the chaos, one of Samrat's associates, identified as Mohammad Selim, failed to escape and was arrested by the police. From his possession, authorities recovered two firearms, a pistol and a locally made "one-shooter" gun, corroborating the claim that the group was armed.

Criminal Kingpin or Mob victim? Who is Amrit Mondal, who was beaten to death in Bangladesh's Rajbari

Durga temple demolition in Bangladesh: Minority groups in Bangladesh held protests in Dhaka on Friday (June 27) after a makeshift temple dedicated to the Hindu deity Durga was demolished by the South Asian nation's rail authorities. India has condemened the demolition, saying extremist groups were clamouring for its destruction, and slamming the interim government of Muhammad Yunus.<h2>What happened to the Durga Temple in Bangladesh?</h2>The Durga temple located in Khilkhet, Dhaka was demolished by Bangladesh Railway authorities on Thursday. According to reports, the authorities claimed that the temple was built illegally on railway land. The temple committee secretary, Arjun Roy, said there was no prior notice, adding "We are very disheartened over the incident."<h2>How the demolition of Hindu temple in Bangladesh took place</h2>According to reports, more than 500 people, carrying sticks, surrounded the temple before its demolition. The mob demanded the temple's removal. Bulldozers arrived at the scene and the Durga temple was demolished amid a large police presence, said the reports. The temple destruction led to widespread anger among Bangladeshi Hindus.<h2>Protests in Bangladesh over Hindu temple demolition</h2>On Friday, a human chain protest was held in Dhaka by minority organisations such as the Bangladesh Sanatani Group and Sanatani Andolan in Shahbagh. Calling the demolition a 'brutal scene that hurt our sentiments’, Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council's Manindra Kumar Nath said, "We condemned such acts of destructive and violent religious frenzy. In protest of this, the Sanatani society has woken up today."Nath said the government was "instigating a particular community." <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/bangladesh-bans-awami-league-under-anti-terrorism-act-9056516/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/bangladesh-bans-awami-league-under-anti-terrorism-act-9056516/embed</a> The protestors plan to hold a rally at the Dhaka Press club to condmen the silence of Mohammad Yunus' interim government. "Unfortunately, this government is carrying out such condemnable acts... labelling these incidents as rumours," news agency ANI quoted Nath as saying. Organisations like the Bangladesh Puja Udjapan Parishad, the Mahanagor Sarbojanin Puja Committee, and the Minority Rights Movement condemned the incident. Critics noted that other nearby illegal structures were spared from the demoltion drive evan as the temple was targetted.<h2>India reacts strongly to Durga temple demolition in Bangladesh</h2>On Thursday, India reacted strongly to the demoltion of the Hindu temple in Bangladesh, slamming the interim government. During his weekly press briefing, India's Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, "We understand that extremists were clamouring for demolishing the Durga temple in Khilkhet, Dhaka."The interim government, instead of providing security to the temple, projected the episode as illegal land use... This resulted in damage to the deity before it was shifted," Jaiswal said.He reminded the Bangladesh interim govement of its dut to protect Hindus, their properties and religious institutions. Since the ouster of the democratically elected Sheikh Hasina in 2024, Bangladesh has witnessed several attacks on Hindus and minority communities

Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council condemned such acts of destructive and violent religious frenzy even as India slammed the Bangladeshi government.

Durga temple demolition in Bangladesh: Minority groups in Bangladesh held protests in Dhaka on Friday (June 27) after a makeshift temple dedicated to the Hindu deity Durga was demolished by the South Asian nation's rail authorities. India has condemened the demolition, saying extremist groups were clamouring for its destruction, and slamming the interim government of Muhammad Yunus. What happened to the Durga Temple in Bangladesh? The Durga temple located in Khilkhet, Dhaka was demolished by Bangladesh Railway authorities on Thursday. According to reports, the authorities claimed that the temple was built illegally on railway land. The temple committee secretary, Arjun Roy, said there was no prior notice, adding "We are very disheartened over the incident." How the demolition of Hindu temple in Bangladesh took place According to reports, more than 500 people, carrying sticks, surrounded the temple before its demolition. The mob demanded the temple's removal. Bulldozers arrived at the scene and the Durga temple was demolished amid a large police presence, said the reports. The temple destruction led to widespread anger among Bangladeshi Hindus. Protests in Bangladesh over Hindu temple demolition On Friday, a human chain protest was held in Dhaka by minority organisations such as the Bangladesh Sanatani Group and Sanatani Andolan in Shahbagh. Calling the demolition a 'brutal scene that hurt our sentiments’, Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council's Manindra Kumar Nath said, "We condemned such acts of destructive and violent religious frenzy. In protest of this, the Sanatani society has woken up today." Nath said the government was "instigating a particular community." https://www.wionews.com/videos/bangladesh-bans-awami-league-under-anti-terrorism-act-9056516/embed The protestors plan to hold a rally at the Dhaka Press club to condmen the silence of Mohammad Yunus' interim government. "Unfortunately, this government is carrying out such condemnable acts... labelling these incidents as rumours," news agency ANI quoted Nath as saying. Organisations like the Bangladesh Puja Udjapan Parishad, the Mahanagor Sarbojanin Puja Committee, and the Minority Rights Movement condemned the incident. Critics noted that other nearby illegal structures were spared from the demoltion drive evan as the temple was targetted. India reacts strongly to Durga temple demolition in Bangladesh On Thursday, India reacted strongly to the demoltion of the Hindu temple in Bangladesh, slamming the interim government. During his weekly press briefing, India's Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, "We understand that extremists were clamouring for demolishing the Durga temple in Khilkhet, Dhaka. "The interim government, instead of providing security to the temple, projected the episode as illegal land use... This resulted in damage to the deity before it was shifted," Jaiswal said. He reminded the Bangladesh interim govement of its dut to protect Hindus, their properties and religious institutions. Since the ouster of the democratically elected Sheikh Hasina in 2024, Bangladesh has witnessed several attacks on Hindus and minority communities

Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council condemned such acts of destructive and violent religious frenzy even as India slammed the Bangladeshi government.

Hindu temple demolished in Bangladesh: Minority groups protest, India slams interim government

Indian-origin British MP Priti Patel has raised alarm over the instability in Bangladesh following former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's departure in August. Denouncing the ongoing violence against Hindu minorities in Bangladesh, the Shadow Foreign Secretary, in a conversation with IANS, labelled the attacks as "senseless" and "horrendous."&nbsp;

Patel, a Conservative MP, called for urgent measures to safeguard religious freedoms in the country. She urged the Bangladeshi interim government, led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, to ensure robust action to protect religious minorities. &nbsp;

"These senseless acts of violence and the instability in Bangladesh are deeply concerning, and my thoughts are with all of those affected," said Patel.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/bangladesh/hes-involved-in-mass-killings-hasina-blames-yunus-for-attacks-on-hindus-in-bangladesh-781093">‘He's involved in mass killings,’ Hasina blames Yunus for attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh</a>

"The targeting of religious places of worship is horrendous, and I know many Hindus will be feeling frightened and fearful, especially given the impact of previous waves of violence."

"The Bangladeshi government must ensure robust action is taken to protect life, prevent violence, and safeguard religious freedoms. I have called on the UK government to do all it can to support that work," she added.

<h2>UK monitoring the situation</h2>

The British government is closely monitoring escalating tensions in Bangladesh following recent attacks on the Hindu community and the arrest of religious leaders, Foreign Office Minister Catherine West told the House of Commons on Monday (Dec 2) during an urgent parliamentary session initiated by Labour MP Barry Gardiner. &nbsp;

West, the Minister for the Indo-Pacific, said she had received assurances from Bangladesh's interim government during a recent visit that minority communities, including Hindus, would be protected. She emphasised that the UK was one of the first countries with ministerial support to arrive in Bangladesh's Dhaka to speak with Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus. &nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/bangladesh/bangladesh-communal-tensions-advocate-defending-detained-hindu-monk-brutally-attacked-781002">Bangladesh communal tensions: Lawyer defending detained Hindu monk ‘brutally attacked’</a>

"We are aware of the statement of concern from the Indian government following the arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das, a well-known Hindu leader, on sedition charges. The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) desk is closely monitoring those developments," she said.

"The UK government will continue to monitor the situation, including making representations from this House, and will engage with the interim government in Bangladesh on the importance of freedom of religion or belief specifically as it affects the Hindu community," West added. &nbsp;

<h2>Rising tensions&nbsp;</h2>

Tensions in Bangladesh intensified after former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina fled to India on August 5. Violence further escalated last week with the arrest of Hindu Priest Chinmoy Krishna Das. The Hindu community in the country has faced attacks on individuals, temples, and properties during the ongoing protests against Hasina's Awami League-led government. &nbsp;

Muhammad Yunus, who assumed leadership as Chief Adviser on August 8, has been unable to quell the unrest.

<h2>UK MPs voice concerns &nbsp;</h2>

Labour MP Gardiner, representing Brent North—a constituency with a significant Hindu population—described the situation as "clearly on a knife edge." He raised the concerns of the "large diaspora populations in the UK and large Hindu communities with strong links to the community in Bangladesh".&nbsp;

Conservative MP Bob Blackman, chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for British Hindus, described the attacks as "ethnic cleansing of Hindus" and highlighted reports of priests being arrested, homes destroyed, and businesses looted. &nbsp;

"Priests have been arrested, and I understand that two more were arrested over the weekend, and 63 monks have been denied access to the country. The clear issue is an attempt at the ethnic cleansing of Hindus from Bangladesh… We want to hear not just words of piety, but absolute condemnation of what is going on."

(With inputs from agencies)

Indian-origin British MP Priti Patel has raised alarm over the instability in Bangladesh following former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's departure in August. Denouncing the ongoing violence against Hindu minorities in Bangladesh, the Shadow Foreign Secretary, in a conversation with IANS, labelled the attacks as "senseless" and "horrendous.

Indian-origin British MP Priti Patel has raised alarm over the instability in Bangladesh following former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's departure in August. Denouncing the ongoing violence against Hindu minorities in Bangladesh, the Shadow Foreign Secretary, in a conversation with IANS, labelled the attacks as "senseless" and "horrendous." Patel, a Conservative MP, called for urgent measures to safeguard religious freedoms in the country. She urged the Bangladeshi interim government, led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, to ensure robust action to protect religious minorities. "These senseless acts of violence and the instability in Bangladesh are deeply concerning, and my thoughts are with all of those affected," said Patel. Also read | ‘He's involved in mass killings,’ Hasina blames Yunus for attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh "The targeting of religious places of worship is horrendous, and I know many Hindus will be feeling frightened and fearful, especially given the impact of previous waves of violence." "The Bangladeshi government must ensure robust action is taken to protect life, prevent violence, and safeguard religious freedoms. I have called on the UK government to do all it can to support that work," she added. UK monitoring the situation The British government is closely monitoring escalating tensions in Bangladesh following recent attacks on the Hindu community and the arrest of religious leaders, Foreign Office Minister Catherine West told the House of Commons on Monday (Dec 2) during an urgent parliamentary session initiated by Labour MP Barry Gardiner. West, the Minister for the Indo-Pacific, said she had received assurances from Bangladesh's interim government during a recent visit that minority communities, including Hindus, would be protected. She emphasised that the UK was one of the first countries with ministerial support to arrive in Bangladesh's Dhaka to speak with Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus. Also read | Bangladesh communal tensions: Lawyer defending detained Hindu monk ‘brutally attacked’ "We are aware of the statement of concern from the Indian government following the arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das, a well-known Hindu leader, on sedition charges. The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) desk is closely monitoring those developments," she said. "The UK government will continue to monitor the situation, including making representations from this House, and will engage with the interim government in Bangladesh on the importance of freedom of religion or belief specifically as it affects the Hindu community," West added. Rising tensions Tensions in Bangladesh intensified after former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina fled to India on August 5. Violence further escalated last week with the arrest of Hindu Priest Chinmoy Krishna Das. The Hindu community in the country has faced attacks on individuals, temples, and properties during the ongoing protests against Hasina's Awami League-led government. Muhammad Yunus, who assumed leadership as Chief Adviser on August 8, has been unable to quell the unrest. UK MPs voice concerns Labour MP Gardiner, representing Brent North—a constituency with a significant Hindu population—described the situation as "clearly on a knife edge." He raised the concerns of the "large diaspora populations in the UK and large Hindu communities with strong links to the community in Bangladesh". Conservative MP Bob Blackman, chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for British Hindus, described the attacks as "ethnic cleansing of Hindus" and highlighted reports of priests being arrested, homes destroyed, and businesses looted. "Priests have been arrested, and I understand that two more were arrested over the weekend, and 63 monks have been denied access to the country. The clear issue is an attempt at the ethnic cleansing of Hindus from Bangladesh… We want to hear not just words of piety, but absolute condemnation of what is going on." (With inputs from agencies)

Indian-origin UK MP Priti Patel condemns 'senseless acts of violence' against Hindus in Bangladesh

Former Bangladesh prime minister Sheikh Hasina has accused the leader of the country’s interim government, Muhammad Yunus, of mass killings and targeting minorities.

Her statement comes amidst increasing attacks on the Hindu community. Addressing a New York event virtually, Hasina blamed Yunus for a series of attacks on Hindu temples and churches.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwj-vsW5k4uKAxUOxzgGHXTkAPUQxfQBKAB6BAgQEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-claims-16-bn-siphoned-every-year-during-sheikh-hasinas-tenure-report-780886" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-claims-16-bn-siphoned-every-year-during-sheikh-hasinas-tenure-report-780886&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj-vsW5k4uKAxUOxzgGHXTkAPUQxfQBKAB6BAgQEAE">Bangladesh claims $16 billion siphoned every year during Sheikh Hasina`s tenure: Report</a>

"Today, I have been accused of mass killings. In reality, it is Muhammad Yunus who has indulged in mass killings through a meticulous designed plan along with the student co-ordinators. They are the masterminds. Even Tarique Rahman (BNP leader and Khaleda Zia's son) from London has said that if the deaths continue, then the government won't last," the deposed prime minister said.

She also questioned Yunus for increased attacks on minorities in the country. "Today, teachers, police are all being attacked and killed... Hindus, Buddhists, Christians are being targeted. Churches and several temples have been attacked. Why are minorities being targeted in Bangladesh now?" the Awami League leader said.

Over the past weeks, radical Islamists have launched attacks on Hindu community in the country.

Three Hindu monks associated with International Society for Krishna Consciousness or ISKCON have been detained by the government.

Indian political leaders have been raising concerns over the troubling developments in the country.

On Saturday (Nov 30), Bangladesh authorities ordered freezing of at least 17 bank accounts related to the ISKCON.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwj-vsW5k4uKAxUOxzgGHXTkAPUQxfQBKAB6BAgKEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/chinese-ambassador-hands-over-20000-cheque-to-bangladesh-for-flood-relief-753250" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/chinese-ambassador-hands-over-20000-cheque-to-bangladesh-for-flood-relief-753250&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj-vsW5k4uKAxUOxzgGHXTkAPUQxfQBKAB6BAgKEAE">Chinese ambassador hands over $20,000 cheque to Bangladesh for flood relief</a>

Hasina further said that her rivals had hatched a plan to assassinate her just like her father and Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

"I did not want a massacre. If I wanted to hold on to power, there would have been a massacre. When people were being killed indiscriminately, I decided I should leave. Had my security personnel opened fire, so many would have died at Gana Bhavan. I did not want that," she said.

(With inputs from agencies)

Former Bangladesh prime minister Sheikh Hasina has accused the leader of the country’s interim government, Muhammad Yunus, of mass killings and targeting minorities.

Former Bangladesh prime minister Sheikh Hasina has accused the leader of the country’s interim government, Muhammad Yunus, of mass killings and targeting minorities. Her statement comes amidst increasing attacks on the Hindu community. Addressing a New York event virtually, Hasina blamed Yunus for a series of attacks on Hindu temples and churches. Also read: Bangladesh claims $16 billion siphoned every year during Sheikh Hasina`s tenure: Report "Today, I have been accused of mass killings. In reality, it is Muhammad Yunus who has indulged in mass killings through a meticulous designed plan along with the student co-ordinators. They are the masterminds. Even Tarique Rahman (BNP leader and Khaleda Zia's son) from London has said that if the deaths continue, then the government won't last," the deposed prime minister said. She also questioned Yunus for increased attacks on minorities in the country. "Today, teachers, police are all being attacked and killed... Hindus, Buddhists, Christians are being targeted. Churches and several temples have been attacked. Why are minorities being targeted in Bangladesh now?" the Awami League leader said. Over the past weeks, radical Islamists have launched attacks on Hindu community in the country. Three Hindu monks associated with International Society for Krishna Consciousness or ISKCON have been detained by the government. Indian political leaders have been raising concerns over the troubling developments in the country. On Saturday (Nov 30), Bangladesh authorities ordered freezing of at least 17 bank accounts related to the ISKCON. Also read: Chinese ambassador hands over $20,000 cheque to Bangladesh for flood relief Hasina further said that her rivals had hatched a plan to assassinate her just like her father and Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. "I did not want a massacre. If I wanted to hold on to power, there would have been a massacre. When people were being killed indiscriminately, I decided I should leave. Had my security personnel opened fire, so many would have died at Gana Bhavan. I did not want that," she said. (With inputs from agencies)

‘He's involved in mass killings,’ Hasina blames Yunus for attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh

A spokesperson for the Hindu spiritual organisation International Society for Krishna Consciousness, known as ISKCON, said Monday (Dec 2) that a lawyer of detained Hindu priest Chinmoy Krishna Das Prabhu was brutally attacked in Bangladesh. ISKCON Kolkata’s Radharamn Das said that advocate Ramen Roy, who is helping Chinmoy fight legal cases, was attacked by some people at his home and was now in critical condition.

Radharamn Das also posted a picture of Ramen Roy, showing him lying in the ICU and “fighting for his life.”

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Please pray for Advocate Ramen Roy. His only 'fault' was defending Chinmoy Krishna Prabhu in court. 
 
Islamists ransacked his home and brutally attacked him, leaving him in the ICU, fighting for his life.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SaveBangladeshiHindus?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SaveBangladeshiHindus</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FreeChinmoyKrishnaPrabhu?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FreeChinmoyKrishnaPrabhu</a> <a href="https://t.co/uudpC10bpN">pic.twitter.com/uudpC10bpN</a>
— Radharamn Das राधारमण दास (@RadharamnDas) <a href="https://twitter.com/RadharamnDas/status/1863593503609303469?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 2, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

“Please pray for Advocate Ramen Roy. His only 'fault' was defending Chinmoy Krishna Prabhu in court. Islamists ransacked his home and brutally attacked him,” wrote the ISKCON Kolkata spokesperson on X.

Chinmoy was detained by Bangladesh police on November 25 on stringent sedition charges, backed by claims that he disrespected the Bangladeshi flag while demanding safety for Hindus. An FIR was also filed against him and 18 others. He was denied a bail on November 26 and sent to prison. The court is now set to hear the case on January 2 next year.&nbsp;

Indian political leaders have been raising concerns over the arrest of the Hindu monk and rising attacks on the Hindu community in the country.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-freezes-17-bank-accounts-linked-to-iskcon-amid-rising-attacks-on-hindus-780460">Also read:&nbsp;Bangladesh freezes 17 bank accounts linked to ISKCON amid rising attacks on Hindus</a>

Over the weekend, ISKCON claimed Bangladesh detained two more Hindu monks who had gone to meet Chinmoy in jail.

While ISKCON earlier said Chinmoy was not its representative in Bangladesh, the group later said in a statement it “supports his rights and freedom for peacefully calling for protecting Hindus and their places of worship”.

On November 30, Bangladesh authorities ordered freezing of at least 17 bank accounts related to the ISKCON, including one belonging to Chinmoy. The Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit (BFIU) also ordered banks to provide information, including updated transaction statements of all the accounts, within the next three working days.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwjf_NL32IqKAxUQ3TQHHYF3EIMQxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-claims-16-bn-siphoned-every-year-during-sheikh-hasinas-tenure-report-780886" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-claims-16-bn-siphoned-every-year-during-sheikh-hasinas-tenure-report-780886&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjf_NL32IqKAxUQ3TQHHYF3EIMQxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE">Bangladesh claims $16 billion siphoned every year during Sheikh Hasina`s tenure: Report</a>

India has taken note of these developments and has told Dhaka to protect its minorities, including Hindus.

"Government has taken a serious note of these incidents and shared its concerns with the Government of Bangladesh," Foreign Minister S Jaishankar said in response to a question in the Lok Sabha, the lower house of the Indian parliament.

(With inputs from agencies)

A spokesperson for the Hindu spiritual organisation International Society for Krishna Consciousness, known as ISKCON, said Monday (Dec 2) that a lawyer of detained Hindu priest Chinmoy Krishna Das Prabhu was brutally attacked in Bangladesh.

A spokesperson for the Hindu spiritual organisation International Society for Krishna Consciousness, known as ISKCON, said Monday (Dec 2) that a lawyer of detained Hindu priest Chinmoy Krishna Das Prabhu was brutally attacked in Bangladesh. ISKCON Kolkata’s Radharamn Das said that advocate Ramen Roy, who is helping Chinmoy fight legal cases, was attacked by some people at his home and was now in critical condition. Radharamn Das also posted a picture of Ramen Roy, showing him lying in the ICU and “fighting for his life.” Please pray for Advocate Ramen Roy. His only 'fault' was defending Chinmoy Krishna Prabhu in court. Islamists ransacked his home and brutally attacked him, leaving him in the ICU, fighting for his life.#SaveBangladeshiHindus #FreeChinmoyKrishnaPrabhu pic.twitter.com/uudpC10bpN — Radharamn Das राधारमण दास (@RadharamnDas) December 2, 2024 × “Please pray for Advocate Ramen Roy. His only 'fault' was defending Chinmoy Krishna Prabhu in court. Islamists ransacked his home and brutally attacked him,” wrote the ISKCON Kolkata spokesperson on X. Chinmoy was detained by Bangladesh police on November 25 on stringent sedition charges, backed by claims that he disrespected the Bangladeshi flag while demanding safety for Hindus. An FIR was also filed against him and 18 others. He was denied a bail on November 26 and sent to prison. The court is now set to hear the case on January 2 next year. Indian political leaders have been raising concerns over the arrest of the Hindu monk and rising attacks on the Hindu community in the country. Also read: Bangladesh freezes 17 bank accounts linked to ISKCON amid rising attacks on Hindus Over the weekend, ISKCON claimed Bangladesh detained two more Hindu monks who had gone to meet Chinmoy in jail. While ISKCON earlier said Chinmoy was not its representative in Bangladesh, the group later said in a statement it “supports his rights and freedom for peacefully calling for protecting Hindus and their places of worship”. On November 30, Bangladesh authorities ordered freezing of at least 17 bank accounts related to the ISKCON, including one belonging to Chinmoy. The Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit (BFIU) also ordered banks to provide information, including updated transaction statements of all the accounts, within the next three working days. Also read: Bangladesh claims $16 billion siphoned every year during Sheikh Hasina`s tenure: Report India has taken note of these developments and has told Dhaka to protect its minorities, including Hindus. "Government has taken a serious note of these incidents and shared its concerns with the Government of Bangladesh," Foreign Minister S Jaishankar said in response to a question in the Lok Sabha, the lower house of the Indian parliament. (With inputs from agencies)

Bangladesh communal tensions: Lawyer defending detained Hindu monk ‘brutally attacked’

Bangladesh’s interim government has charged 19&nbsp;Hindus under stringent sedition law over hoisting saffron flag, media reports show. At least two people have been detained in the case, amid large scale protests by Hindus for setting up a law and tribunal for the protection of minorities. Hindus and other minorities have increasingly come under attacks in Bangladesh since the collapse of now-deposed PM Sheikh Hasina. US Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump also spoke about the plight of Hindus in Bangladesh on Thursday.

“It would have never happened on my watch. Kamala and Joe have ignored Hindus across the world and in America. They have been a disaster from Israel to Ukraine to our own Southern Border, but we will Make America Strong Again and bring back Peace through Strength,” Trump wrote in a post on X.

Watch:&nbsp;Bangladesh's Jatiya Party Comes Under Attack

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/bangladeshs-jatiya-party-comes-under-attack-772428/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

An India Today report said at least 15-20 unidentified people have also been mentioned in the complaint.

<h2>Why Hindus are protesting?</h2>

Hindu organisations in Bangladesh held a massive rally in Chattogram on Oct 25, asking the government to accept their eight-point agenda. One major demand was to establish a tribunal to prosecute those who oppress minorities, bring a law on minority protection, and establish a ministry for minorities.

However, the Bangladesh government, led by Muhammad Yunus, responded by filing a sedition case on Oct 30 at Chattogram's Kotwali Police Station. Under Bangladeshi law, sedition charges can lead to life imprisonment if convicted.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwiBm7TBt7uJAxV3ZvUHHQafHqU4ChDF9AEoAHoECBIQAQ" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bangladesh-terrorist-linked-to-al-qaida-asks-cm-mamata-to-free-bengal-from-modis-rule-758436" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bangladesh-terrorist-linked-to-al-qaida-asks-cm-mamata-to-free-bengal-from-modis-rule-758436&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiBm7TBt7uJAxV3ZvUHHQafHqU4ChDF9AEoAHoECBIQAQ">Bangladesh terrorist linked to al-Qaeda asks CM Mamata to 'free Bengal from Modi's rule'</a>

Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari, one of those charged with sedition, was quoted as saying by India Today, “The Sanatani organisations had nothing to do with the saffron flags being put up. The incident took place 2 km from the Lal Dighi protest site."

"I was not connected to the case in any way. I was at the local BNP office at the time of the incident," Das added.

Violence against Hindus has surged over the past few months in Bangladesh, leading Indian PM Narendra Modi to tell the Yunus government to safeguard their interests.

(With inputs from agencies)

Bangladesh’s interim government has charged 19 Hindus under stringent sedition law over hoisting saffron flag, media reports show. At least two people have been detained in the case, amid large scale protests by Hindus for setting up a law and tribunal for the protection of minorities.

Bangladesh’s interim government has charged 19 Hindus under stringent sedition law over hoisting saffron flag, media reports show. At least two people have been detained in the case, amid large scale protests by Hindus for setting up a law and tribunal for the protection of minorities. Hindus and other minorities have increasingly come under attacks in Bangladesh since the collapse of now-deposed PM Sheikh Hasina. US Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump also spoke about the plight of Hindus in Bangladesh on Thursday. “It would have never happened on my watch. Kamala and Joe have ignored Hindus across the world and in America. They have been a disaster from Israel to Ukraine to our own Southern Border, but we will Make America Strong Again and bring back Peace through Strength,” Trump wrote in a post on X. Watch: Bangladesh's Jatiya Party Comes Under Attack × An India Today report said at least 15-20 unidentified people have also been mentioned in the complaint. Why Hindus are protesting? Hindu organisations in Bangladesh held a massive rally in Chattogram on Oct 25, asking the government to accept their eight-point agenda. One major demand was to establish a tribunal to prosecute those who oppress minorities, bring a law on minority protection, and establish a ministry for minorities. However, the Bangladesh government, led by Muhammad Yunus, responded by filing a sedition case on Oct 30 at Chattogram's Kotwali Police Station. Under Bangladeshi law, sedition charges can lead to life imprisonment if convicted. Also read: Bangladesh terrorist linked to al-Qaeda asks CM Mamata to 'free Bengal from Modi's rule' Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari, one of those charged with sedition, was quoted as saying by India Today, “The Sanatani organisations had nothing to do with the saffron flags being put up. The incident took place 2 km from the Lal Dighi protest site." "I was not connected to the case in any way. I was at the local BNP office at the time of the incident," Das added. Violence against Hindus has surged over the past few months in Bangladesh, leading Indian PM Narendra Modi to tell the Yunus government to safeguard their interests. (With inputs from agencies)

Bangladesh: 19 Hindus booked under sedition laws for hoisting saffron flag, demanding protection

A spate of atrocities against the small Hindu minority in Bangladesh during the Durga Puja festival and earlier have fuelled a sense of insecurity among the community. India termed the attacks 'deplorable', even saying they followed a systematic pattern of desecration. On the back foot, Mohamed Yunus has stepped in personally to build confidence.

Heat On Bangladesh's Minorities

#Gravitas | Islamist mobs in the country continue to target Hindus, who are a minority community, and their places of worship. In Faridpur, Bangladesh, up to eight Hindu idols, including those of Arjuna and Ganesh, were vandalized at a temple. Residents have reported that this is the first time such an incident has occurred. Given the ongoing attacks on Hindu communities in Bangladesh, can the new government ensure the protection of minority communities?

Bangladesh Hindu Temple Targeted Again, Idols Vandalized by Miscreants

Hundreds of Bangladeshi Hindus got on streets of Dhaka to protest against a rise in targeted attacks against them and vandalisation of temples following the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government.

Protesters - some of them carrying posters demanding Bangladeshi minorities be "saved" - chanted slogans of "who are we, Bengali Bengali" and demanded for peace as they blocked an intersection in the capital on Friday (Aug 9).

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/who-is-muhammad-yunus-the-head-of-bangladeshs-new-interim-government-748484">Who is Muhammad Yunus, the head of Bangladesh’s new interim government?</a>

Notably, Hindus, who make up about 8% of Bangladesh's population of 170 million, have usually supported Hasina's Awami League party, which sparked people's anger after violent clashes between anti-quota protesters and security forces last month.

A school teacher was killed and at least 45 people injured as homes, businesses, and temples of Hindus in Muslim-majority Bangladesh were targeted on Monday, which resulted in widespread protests by Hindus.

"There is deep fret, anxiety and uncertainty among minorities across the country," the Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council said in an open letter on Friday.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/bangladesh-hundreds-of-hindus-protest-against-violence-748910/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The United Nations is demanding an end to the racially charged violence in Bangladesh, where thousands of Hindus are desperately trying to escape to neighbouring India.

Amid a surge in racially motivated attacks, the UN Secretary-General's office has issued a strong condemnation of the violence in Bangladesh, as a growing number of Hindus seek refuge across the border.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bangladeshs-interim-leader-yunus-takes-charge-of-27-ministries-announces-portfolios-of-council-of-advisors-748773">Bangladesh’s interim leader Yunus takes charge of 27 ministries, announces portfolios of council of advisors</a>

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also appealed for the "safety and protection" of Hindus and Bangladesh's other minorities in a message on his social media handle X on Thursday.

Student leader Nahid Islam wants Hasina to face trial

A Bangladeshi student leader who was instrumental in overthrowing Sheikh Hasina and is now part of the interim government said she must face trial when she returns home -&nbsp;for the&nbsp;planned killings during her term, including during recent protests, which led her to resign and flee the country.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-khaleda-zia-will-stand-for-elections-if-fit-bnp-secretary-general-mirza-748797">Bangladesh: Khaleda Zia will stand for elections, if fit, says BNP Secretary General Mirza</a>

"I am curious why she fled the country," student leader Nahid Islam, told Reuters in his first interview since joining the government on Thursday as an adviser.

"We will seek justice for all the killings that happened under her, that has been one of the main demands of our revolution. Even if she does not come back, we will work towards that,” he added.

(With inputs from agencies)

Hundreds of Bangladeshi Hindus got on streets of Dhaka to protest against a rise in targeted attacks against them and vandalisation of temples following the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government.

Hundreds of Bangladeshi Hindus got on streets of Dhaka to protest against a rise in targeted attacks against them and vandalisation of temples following the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government. Protesters - some of them carrying posters demanding Bangladeshi minorities be "saved" - chanted slogans of "who are we, Bengali Bengali" and demanded for peace as they blocked an intersection in the capital on Friday (Aug 9). Also read: Who is Muhammad Yunus, the head of Bangladesh’s new interim government? Notably, Hindus, who make up about 8% of Bangladesh's population of 170 million, have usually supported Hasina's Awami League party, which sparked people's anger after violent clashes between anti-quota protesters and security forces last month. A school teacher was killed and at least 45 people injured as homes, businesses, and temples of Hindus in Muslim-majority Bangladesh were targeted on Monday, which resulted in widespread protests by Hindus. "There is deep fret, anxiety and uncertainty among minorities across the country," the Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council said in an open letter on Friday. × The United Nations is demanding an end to the racially charged violence in Bangladesh, where thousands of Hindus are desperately trying to escape to neighbouring India. Amid a surge in racially motivated attacks, the UN Secretary-General's office has issued a strong condemnation of the violence in Bangladesh, as a growing number of Hindus seek refuge across the border. Also read: Bangladesh’s interim leader Yunus takes charge of 27 ministries, announces portfolios of council of advisors Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also appealed for the "safety and protection" of Hindus and Bangladesh's other minorities in a message on his social media handle X on Thursday. Student leader Nahid Islam wants Hasina to face trial A Bangladeshi student leader who was instrumental in overthrowing Sheikh Hasina and is now part of the interim government said she must face trial when she returns home - for the planned killings during her term, including during recent protests, which led her to resign and flee the country. Also read: Bangladesh: Khaleda Zia will stand for elections, if fit, says BNP Secretary General Mirza "I am curious why she fled the country," student leader Nahid Islam, told Reuters in his first interview since joining the government on Thursday as an adviser. "We will seek justice for all the killings that happened under her, that has been one of the main demands of our revolution. Even if she does not come back, we will work towards that,” he added. (With inputs from agencies)

'Who are we, Bengali Bengali': Bangladeshi Hindus protest amid growing violence

India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Thursday (August 8) that it does not have any update on former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's next course of action. The ousted former Bangladesh&nbsp;prime minister has been stationed in Hindon airbase outside New Delhi since August 5, when she left her country after a mob of protesters began storming the Prime Minister's residence in Dhaka.&nbsp;

Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus is set to take over as interim adviser of Bangladesh government after garnering due support from the South Asian country's powerful army and the Bangladesh Nationalist Party's Khaleda Zia, who was released from prison after Hasina's ouster.&nbsp;

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that the situation is still evolving in Bangladesh.&nbsp;

Sheikh Hasina is expected to stay in Delhi for a "little while".

When asked about India giving political asylum to Hasina, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, while referring to External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar's statement in the parliament's upper house, the Rajya Sabha, said, "Our EAM has already explained the approval for former PM Sheikh Hasina to come to India was given at short notice."

Also watch |&nbsp;Bangladesh: Muhammad Yunus to be chief adviser of Bangladesh's interim govt

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/bangladesh-muhammad-yunus-to-be-chief-adviser-of-bangladeshs-interim-govt-748379/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

On August 6, External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar, while giving a suo motu statement in Rajya Sabha, said: "On 5th August, demonstrators converged in Dhaka despite the curfew. Our understanding is that after a meeting with leaders of the security establishment, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina apparently made the decision to resign. At very short notice, she requested approval to come for the moment to India. We simultaneously received a request for flight clearance from the Bangladesh authorities."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/deeply-concerned-jaishankar-to-rajya-sabha-on-state-of-bangladesh-minorities-after-sheikh-hasinas-exit-747668">'Deeply concerned': Jaishankar on state of minorities in Bangladesh after Sheikh Hasina’s exit</a>

The MEA spokesperson on Thursday (August 8), while responding to the question on when Sheikh Hasina will leave India, said that "we do not have any update on her plan."

Jaiswal added that as far as New Delhi is concerned, "the interests of the people of Bangladesh are foremost in our mind."&nbsp;

When asked about reports of attacks on minority communities in Bangladesh, the MEA spokesperson said, "We are monitoring the situation."

India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Thursday (August 8) that it does not have any update on former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's next course of action.

India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Thursday (August 8) that it does not have any update on former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's next course of action. The ousted former Bangladesh prime minister has been stationed in Hindon airbase outside New Delhi since August 5, when she left her country after a mob of protesters began storming the Prime Minister's residence in Dhaka. Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus is set to take over as interim adviser of Bangladesh government after garnering due support from the South Asian country's powerful army and the Bangladesh Nationalist Party's Khaleda Zia, who was released from prison after Hasina's ouster. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that the situation is still evolving in Bangladesh. Sheikh Hasina is expected to stay in Delhi for a "little while". When asked about India giving political asylum to Hasina, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, while referring to External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar's statement in the parliament's upper house, the Rajya Sabha, said, "Our EAM has already explained the approval for former PM Sheikh Hasina to come to India was given at short notice." Also watch | Bangladesh: Muhammad Yunus to be chief adviser of Bangladesh's interim govt × On August 6, External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar, while giving a suo motu statement in Rajya Sabha, said: "On 5th August, demonstrators converged in Dhaka despite the curfew. Our understanding is that after a meeting with leaders of the security establishment, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina apparently made the decision to resign. At very short notice, she requested approval to come for the moment to India. We simultaneously received a request for flight clearance from the Bangladesh authorities." Also read | 'Deeply concerned': Jaishankar on state of minorities in Bangladesh after Sheikh Hasina’s exit The MEA spokesperson on Thursday (August 8), while responding to the question on when Sheikh Hasina will leave India, said that "we do not have any update on her plan." Jaiswal added that as far as New Delhi is concerned, "the interests of the people of Bangladesh are foremost in our mind." When asked about reports of attacks on minority communities in Bangladesh, the MEA spokesperson said, "We are monitoring the situation."

India is monitoring attacks on Bangladesh minorities after Sheikh Hasina's exit

India has taken up with Bangladeshi authorities the issue of violence targeting Hindu families in Bangladesh's Comilla district and the matter is being probed by the authorities there, the Ministry of External Affairs said on Friday.

Some radical Islamists vandalised and set on firehouses of several Hindu families in Bangladesh's Comilla district earlier this week over rumours about an alleged Facebook post slandering Islam.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-angry-mob-burns-hindu-homes-in-bangladesh-339948/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Asked about the incident at an online media briefing, the Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said India's High Commission and posts in Bangladesh are in close contact with local authorities in Bangladesh over the incident.

"They have taken up this incident and we have been informed that the Bangladesh authorities have looked at this incident very seriously and the law enforcement authorities there are investigating the outbreak of violence," he said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/hindu-widows-entitled-to-a-share-in-husbands-property-bangladesh-high-court-324983">Hindu widows entitled to a share in husband's property: Bangladesh High Court</a>

They also continue to remain vigilant to prevent any untoward disturbances, Srivastava added.

The households were vandalised and later set on fire on Sunday after a Bangladeshi man, who lives in France, allegedly praised President Emmanuel Macron for taking steps against "inhumane ideologies" after a teacher in Paris was decapitated for showing caricatures of the Prophet, Bangladeshi officials had said.

To a separate question on fugitive diamantaire Nirav Modi, Srivastava said his bail application was rejected on October 26 by a UK court and a hearing was also held in the case on November 3.

The next hearing is on January 7-8, 2021 and till then Nirav Modi will be in judicial custody, he said.

On the Kerala gold smuggling case, Srivastava said one accused has been arrested by the NIA and he cannot comment as the matter is under investigation.

India has taken up with Bangladeshi authorities the issue of violence targeting Hindu families in Bangladesh's Comilla district and the matter is being probed by the authorities there, the Ministry of External Affairs said on Friday.

India has taken up with Bangladeshi authorities the issue of violence targeting Hindu families in Bangladesh's Comilla district and the matter is being probed by the authorities there, the Ministry of External Affairs said on Friday. Some radical Islamists vandalised and set on firehouses of several Hindu families in Bangladesh's Comilla district earlier this week over rumours about an alleged Facebook post slandering Islam. Asked about the incident at an online media briefing, the Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said India's High Commission and posts in Bangladesh are in close contact with local authorities in Bangladesh over the incident. "They have taken up this incident and we have been informed that the Bangladesh authorities have looked at this incident very seriously and the law enforcement authorities there are investigating the outbreak of violence," he said. Also read: Hindu widows entitled to a share in husband's property: Bangladesh High Court They also continue to remain vigilant to prevent any untoward disturbances, Srivastava added. The households were vandalised and later set on fire on Sunday after a Bangladeshi man, who lives in France, allegedly praised President Emmanuel Macron for taking steps against "inhumane ideologies" after a teacher in Paris was decapitated for showing caricatures of the Prophet, Bangladeshi officials had said. To a separate question on fugitive diamantaire Nirav Modi, Srivastava said his bail application was rejected on October 26 by a UK court and a hearing was also held in the case on November 3. The next hearing is on January 7-8, 2021 and till then Nirav Modi will be in judicial custody, he said. On the Kerala gold smuggling case, Srivastava said one accused has been arrested by the NIA and he cannot comment as the matter is under investigation.

India discusses violence targeting Hindus with Bangladesh, incident being probed: MEA

A Hindu temple&nbsp;was vandalised and three idols of deities were found desecrated in Bangladesh on Sunday.

The attack comes barely a month after over a dozen temples were attacked following a blasphemous Facebook post put up by a Hindu man.

The remnants of broken idols of Hindu god&nbsp;Shiva and goddess Kali were found lying about 600 metres from the temple in Bangladesh&#39;s northern Netrokona area, Bangladeshi newspaper Dhaka Tribune reported.

Police have found that the door of the temple was not locked at night. They have launched a manhunt,&nbsp;said&nbsp;officer-in-charge&nbsp;Shahnur-e-Alam.

&quot;We are treating the case with priority. A group with vested interests may have carried out the crime to disrupt communal harmony,&quot;&nbsp;Netrokona Superintendent of Police Joydeb Chowdhury said.

Meanwhile, Badal Ghosh, secretary of the temple committee, demanded immediate arrest of the attackers.

In the last week of October, there were attacks on around 15 temples and 20 houses belonging to Hindus in Brahmanbaria area after a fisherman put up a Facebook post mocking one of Islam&#39;s holiest sites -- the Kaaba in Mecca, Saudi Arabia.

The fisherman had put an edited photo of a&nbsp;Hindu deity inside the Kaaba.

Bangladesh police had arrested a cuber cafe owner for organising the attacks.

(With inputs from PTI)

&nbsp;

The attack comes weeks after 15 temples were desecrated by a mob in reaction to a blasphemous photo put up by a Hindu man on Facebook

A Hindu temple was vandalised and three idols of deities were found desecrated in Bangladesh on Sunday. The attack comes barely a month after over a dozen temples were attacked following a blasphemous Facebook post put up by a Hindu man. The remnants of broken idols of Hindu god Shiva and goddess Kali were found lying about 600 metres from the temple in Bangladesh's northern Netrokona area, Bangladeshi newspaper Dhaka Tribune reported. Police have found that the door of the temple was not locked at night. They have launched a manhunt, said officer-in-charge Shahnur-e-Alam. "We are treating the case with priority. A group with vested interests may have carried out the crime to disrupt communal harmony," Netrokona Superintendent of Police Joydeb Chowdhury said. Meanwhile, Badal Ghosh, secretary of the temple committee, demanded immediate arrest of the attackers. In the last week of October, there were attacks on around 15 temples and 20 houses belonging to Hindus in Brahmanbaria area after a fisherman put up a Facebook post mocking one of Islam's holiest sites -- the Kaaba in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. The fisherman had put an edited photo of a Hindu deity inside the Kaaba. Bangladesh police had arrested a cuber cafe owner for organising the attacks. (With inputs from PTI)

Bangladesh: Hindu temple vandalised, idols desecrated

There will be no Hindus left in Bangladesh after 30 years if the current rate of exodus persists, according to a recently-published book.

&quot;The rate of exodus over the past 49 years points to that direction,&quot; said Ajoy Roy, the author of the book titled &#39;Political Economy of Reforming Agriculture-Land-Water Bodies in Bangladesh&#39;, Bangladeshi newspaper Dhaka Tribune reported

Roy came to the conclusion after closely following&nbsp;the immigration data and patterns of the country for the last 30 years.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Around 11.3 million Bangladeshi Hindus got out of the country from 1964 to 2013. That adds up to roughly 632 Hindus leaving the country on a daily basis.

Exodus patterns

In his three&nbsp;decade-long research, Roy found that most of the families left the country during military governments.

The book says that before the Liberation War in 1971, the daily rate of migration was 705. It came down to 512 during 1971-1981 and 438 during 1981-1991.

The immigration number increased to 767 persons&nbsp;during 1991-2001 and around 774 between 2001 and&nbsp;2012.

One of the key reasons for the Hindus to leave the country was due to rampant land-grab during Pakistan&#39;s rule before 1971.&nbsp;&nbsp;

When Pakistan was ruling Bangladesh, authorities took away the land of the Hindus by describing them as enemy property, Roy said, leaving 60 per cent of Bangladeshi Hindus landless.

Bangladeshi Hindus constitute 8.2 per cent of the country&#39;s population, according to the country&#39;s latest census.

(WION)

<h3>&nbsp;</h3>

<h3>&nbsp;</h3>

<h3>&nbsp;</h3>

Dhaka University professor Ajoy Roy said 774 Bangladeshi Hindus left the country every day between 2001 and 2012

There will be no Hindus left in Bangladesh after 30 years if the current rate of exodus persists, according to a recently-published book. "The rate of exodus over the past 49 years points to that direction," said Ajoy Roy, the author of the book titled 'Political Economy of Reforming Agriculture-Land-Water Bodies in Bangladesh', Bangladeshi newspaper Dhaka Tribune reported Roy came to the conclusion after closely following the immigration data and patterns of the country for the last 30 years. Around 11.3 million Bangladeshi Hindus got out of the country from 1964 to 2013. That adds up to roughly 632 Hindus leaving the country on a daily basis. Exodus patterns In his three decade-long research, Roy found that most of the families left the country during military governments. The book says that before the Liberation War in 1971, the daily rate of migration was 705. It came down to 512 during 1971-1981 and 438 during 1981-1991. The immigration number increased to 767 persons during 1991-2001 and around 774 between 2001 and 2012. One of the key reasons for the Hindus to leave the country was due to rampant land-grab during Pakistan's rule before 1971. When Pakistan was ruling Bangladesh, authorities took away the land of the Hindus by describing them as enemy property, Roy said, leaving 60 per cent of Bangladeshi Hindus landless. Bangladeshi Hindus constitute 8.2 per cent of the country's population, according to the country's latest census. (WION)

In 30 years, there will be no Hindus left in Bangladesh: Researcher

Houses belonging to Hindus were set ablaze in Bangladesh early Friday morning, a few days after at least 15 temples were vandalised by a mob following an insulting photo posted on Facebook by a Hindu fisherman.

The houses were set on fire in two villages near Chittagong, roughly 270 kilometres from Dhaka, Bangladesh police said.&nbsp;

&ldquo;The attackers fled after torching seven houses in four Hindu households. Locals put out the flames,&rdquo; said Additional Superintendent of Police (SP) Md Iqbal Hossain, local online news agency bdnews24 reported.

On Friday, a group of people torched a Jagannath temple and a nearby Durga temple belonging to Sagar Das. (Jagannath and Durga are Hindu deities.)

The latest attacks on Hindus come after a local Hindu fisherman allegedly posted an edited photograph of a Hindu deity inside the Kaaba, in Saudi Arabia&#39;s Mecca, on social media.

District police chief Mizanur Rahman told AFP two Islamic groups had been demonstrating to demand the arrest and execution of the fisherman, when a group of between 100 and 150 men broke away and vandalised the temples on October 30.&nbsp;&nbsp;

(WION)

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The latest attacks come after a local Hindu fisherman allegedly posted an edited photograph of a Hindu deity inside the Kaaba on Facebook

Houses belonging to Hindus were set ablaze in Bangladesh early Friday morning, a few days after at least 15 temples were vandalised by a mob following an insulting photo posted on Facebook by a Hindu fisherman. The houses were set on fire in two villages near Chittagong, roughly 270 kilometres from Dhaka, Bangladesh police said. “The attackers fled after torching seven houses in four Hindu households. Locals put out the flames,” said Additional Superintendent of Police (SP) Md Iqbal Hossain, local online news agency bdnews24 reported. On Friday, a group of people torched a Jagannath temple and a nearby Durga temple belonging to Sagar Das. (Jagannath and Durga are Hindu deities.) The latest attacks on Hindus come after a local Hindu fisherman allegedly posted an edited photograph of a Hindu deity inside the Kaaba, in Saudi Arabia's Mecca, on social media. District police chief Mizanur Rahman told AFP two Islamic groups had been demonstrating to demand the arrest and execution of the fisherman, when a group of between 100 and 150 men broke away and vandalised the temples on October 30. (WION)

Bangladesh: More Hindu temples, houses vandalised over social media furore