After the liberation of Bangladesh, its founder, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, envisioned a secular, liberal, and tolerant polity where all communities would live in peace and harmony. This was exactly what Mohammad Ali Jinnah had conceptualised for Pakistan, the country he founded. Unfortunately, both founders were let down by their successors. We all know the fate of minorities in Pakistan. Now, a similar, if not worse, fate has visited the minorities, especially Hindus, in Bangladesh.
Things have been rough for Hindus in the West as well as East Pakistan since the 1947 split of India. They suffered discrimination, violence, and unfair treatment. The harsh reality continued, even after India helped Bangladesh get independence in 1971. It’s gotten a lot worse lately, what with religious extremism and political instability. The Hindu community in Bangladesh is even more vulnerable now that Sheikh Hasina’s government is gone – it’s only made a bad situation worse.
How did we things reach such a stage? Why does history keep repeating itself? And what are the consequences, not just for Bangladesh but for the entire region? Let’s break it down step by step.
A History of Persecution: 1947-1971
In 1947, India split into India and Pakistan. India’s constitution is secular, but Pakistan’s isn’t—it’s an Islamic state. This caused systemic discrimination against non-Muslims, particularly Hindus, whom authorities treated as second-class citizens in both West Pakistan, which is now Pakistan, and East Pakistan, which is now Bangladesh.
It wasn’t just society; the system was discriminatory, too. The Vested Property Act, formerly the Enemy Property Act of 1965, was incredibly destructive. This law enabled the Pakistani government to confiscate the properties of those it considered “enemies of the state”. This economic marginalisation was just the tip of the iceberg.
Then came the 1971 war in Bangladesh; things should have improved for Hindus after that. Instead, it turned into a nightmare. The Pakistani military, along with Islamist militias, carried out a genocide that specifically targeted Hindus. The Pakistani army and Islamist militias murdered nearly 2.4 million Hindus, and hundreds of thousands of Hindu women suffered rape at their hands.
For Bangladesh, independence from Pakistan in 1971 was a moment of hope, but for its Hindu population, persecution never truly ended.
Post-Independence: A Gradual Shift Toward Islamisation
After independence, Bangladesh adopted a secular constitution under Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the country’s first leader. However, this commitment to secularism was short-lived. After Mujib’s assassination in 1975, Bangladesh began drifting towards Islamization. In 1977, the Bangladesh government removed secularism from the constitution, and by 1988, it officially declared Islam the state religion. These moves set the stage for increased marginalisation of minorities.
The repercussions were severe. Hindus were easy targets for political and religious violence, often blamed for things that weren’t their fault. Take the demolition of the Babri Masjid in India in 1992, for example. Though the event happened across the border, it triggered a massive backlash against Hindus in Bangladesh. Temples were attacked, homes were burned, and businesses were looted. Another major spike in anti-Hindu violence occurred in 2001 after the BNP-Jamaat-e-Islami alliance came to power. This period saw an increase in rapes, forced conversions, and land grabs targeting Hindus.
Each time Bangladesh swung politically towards Islamist forces, Hindus suffered. And now, with the removal of Sheikh Hasina, the community is facing yet another dark chapter.
The Impact of Sheikh Hasina’s Ouster
Sheikh Hasina’s government wasn’t perfect, but Hindus were better off under her than before. Her Awami League administration maintained strong ties with India, which indirectly helped safeguard Hindu interests. Under her rule, secularist policies, at least on paper, acted as a buffer against the full force of Islamist extremism.
But now, Hindus are in a vulnerable position again because she’s gone. Extremists are feeling more confident because Jamaat-e-Islami and the BNP’s hardline wing are back. Reports of attacks on Hindu temples, desecration of idols, and forced conversions have increased. Many fear that the Vested Property Act, already a tool of oppression, may now be used even more aggressively to seize Hindu properties.
To make matters worse, law enforcement authorities appear either unwilling or unable to prevent these atrocities. The current political climate has made it easier for extremists to target Hindus without facing serious consequences.
The Role of Social Media and Misinformation
Today, social media is a dangerous tool for extremists to spread fake news and incite anti-Hindu violence. False allegations of blasphemy or accusations of Hindus disrespecting Islamic symbols have led to violent mob attacks.
A chilling example of this occurred in 2021 when a viral video falsely accused a Hindu man of placing the Quran on the lap of a deity during Durga Puja. The footage triggered widespread riots, leading to temple desecrations, killings, and the displacement of Hindu families.
Islamist groups and political opportunists actively exploit social media to incite hatred and mobilise violent mobs. Meanwhile, authorities have failed to regulate these platforms effectively, allowing hate speech to flourish. Without stringent regulations and accountability, these digital hate campaigns will only grow more dangerous.
The Regional Fallout: How This Affects India and Beyond
This persecution of Hindus in Bangladesh is way bigger than Bangladesh; it’s causing problems across the region, especially in India. With such a long, open border, what happens in Bangladesh always impacts India’s security, politics, and society. Many Hindus are escaping to India, which is a major consequence. The constant persecution is driving thousands to flee, overwhelming West Bengal and Assam. This shift also fuelled political arguments, impacting policies such as the NRC and the CAA. These laws are supposed to help minorities, but they’ve really divided India politically.
Another critical concern is the rise of Islamist radicalisation. Historically, when religious minorities face systematic persecution, it strengthens extremist elements. If radical groups gain further ground in Bangladesh, the impact could spill over into India, escalating security threats, communal tensions, and cross-border terrorism.
The crisis also threatens India-Bangladesh relations. Under Sheikh Hasina, the two countries maintained stable ties, cooperating on trade, security, and infrastructure projects. However, her exit and the surge in anti-Hindu violence could shift this balance. A more assertive Indian response—through diplomatic pressure, policy changes, or direct intervention—may deteriorate bilateral relations. A strained relationship between India and Bangladesh would not only impact economic collaborations but could also destabilise regional security, affecting South Asia’s broader geopolitical landscape.
What Can Be Done? The Way Forward
Despite the severity of the situation, the international community has largely remained silent. Major global powers, including the United States and the European Union, have been reluctant to confront Bangladesh on human rights issues.
To bring genuine change, several key steps are necessary. First, India and other democratic nations must prioritise human rights in their diplomatic engagements with Bangladesh. Stronger international pressure can push for better protection for religious minorities. Bangladesh, in turn, must implement legal reforms, including repealing discriminatory laws like the Vested Property Act and establishing special courts to ensure justice for Hindu victims of violence. Additionally, regulating social media is crucial—both governments and tech companies must tackle misinformation and hate speech that fuel communal tensions. Stricter content moderation policies and accountability measures can help prevent digital incitement to violence. Finally, grassroots activism plays a vital role. Civil society organisations, both in Bangladesh and globally, must document human rights abuses and bring them to the world’s attention. Raising awareness through media, research, and diplomatic channels can create the necessary pressure for meaningful action and long-term security for persecuted communities.
Conclusion
The persecution of Hindus in Bangladesh is a complicated issue with historical, political, and religious dimensions. From the horrors of 1947 to the present-day rise in extremist violence, the cycle continues. Without decisive action—both domestically and internationally—Hindus in Bangladesh will remain at risk, and regional stability will continue to be threatened. If Bangladesh is to uphold its founding principles of secularism and human rights, urgent and coordinated efforts are needed. Otherwise, history will keep repeating itself—at the cost of countless innocent lives.
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