Dhaka, Bangladesh - October 2024: The Human Rights Congress for Bangladesh Minorities (HRCBM) strongly condemns the recent surge in violence against Hindu minorities across Bangladesh, which has intensified around the Durga Puja festival. The most recent attack in Old Dhaka and a brutal assault in Mullarkul highlight the continuing dangers faced by minority communities in the country. HRCBM calls for urgent intervention, justice for victims, and protection for religious minorities.

Violent Attack on Durga Idol Procession in Old Dhaka: On October 13, 2024, during a peaceful Durga idol immersion procession in Old Dhaka's Shankharibazar and Tanti Bazar areas, Hindu devotees were attacked with bricks and dirty water thrown from rooftops. Shockingly, instead of apprehending the attackers, law enforcement, including police and army personnel, responded by baton-charging the Hindu youths, leaving over 100 injured. Many of the injured were hospitalized, yet no arrests have been made, and the attackers remain free.

For a detailed account of this incident, please refer to HRCBM's full report at https://www.hrcbm.org/wp-new/durga-puja-idol-procession-attacked-in-old-dhaka-over-100-injured/ .

Horrific Attack on Mollarkul West Para Durga Temple: On the same day, another devastating incident occurred at the Mollarkul West Para Durga Temple in Bagerhat. A group of armed assailants stormed the temple, vandalizing idols and launching a brutal assault on local Hindus, including women. Armed with hammers, bamboo sticks, and rods, the attackers tore sarees and blouses from the women and shattered their traditional bangles. Some women were allegedly groped during the assault.

The violence left five men and two women seriously injured, with four critically wounded individuals transferred to Gopalganj Sadar Hospital. One woman, holding her 6-month-old baby, was violently attacked. Despite the severity of this incident, local authorities have downplayed the attack, failing to take meaningful action. This act of violence must not go unpunished.

A Broader Crisis of Minority Safety: These recent attacks are part of a troubling pattern of violence against religious minorities in Bangladesh, with incidents intensifying since August 2024. In total, over 2,000 cases of communal violence have been recorded in the past few months, including widespread temple desecration, looting, and property destruction. Hindu women and children remain particularly vulnerable, with abductions and sexual assaults on the rise​ [1][2].

International Concern: The international community has voiced deep concern:

India's Ministry of External Affairs condemned the desecration of Hindu religious sites and called for immediate government action to protect minorities [2].
The U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee called on Bangladesh to uphold human rights and protect vulnerable communities​ [3].

HRCBM's Call for Immediate Action: HRCBM urges the Bangladeshi government and the international community to take swift action:

Arrest and Prosecute the Perpetrators: Authorities must immediately apprehend those responsible for the attacks in Old Dhaka and Mollarkul and ensure justice for the victims.
Increase Security for Religious Minorities: Immediate steps must be taken to protect minority communities, particularly during religious festivals.
Address the Rise in Abductions and Sexual Violence: The government must prioritize the protection of women and children in vulnerable communities, ensuring that law enforcement acts decisively against these heinous crimes.
International Monitoring and Oversight: HRCBM calls on human rights organizations and the United Nations to monitor the situation in Bangladesh and take necessary actions to prevent further violence.

Reference:
1. Wikipedia, 2024. 2024 Bangladesh anti-Hindu violence. Available online at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024_Bangladesh_anti-Hindu_violence .
2. Business Today, 2024. India condemns 'systematic pattern of damage' on temples amid attacks on Durga Puja celebrations in Bangladesh. Available online at https://www.businesstoday.in/india/story/india-bangladesh-durga-puja-attack-on-temples-hindus-minorities-mea-449799-2024-10-12 .
3. Voice of America, 2024. Bangladeshi Hindus voice fear, anxiety as Durga Puja begins. Available online at https://www.voanews.com/a/bangladeshi-hindus-voice-fear-anxiety-as-durga-puja-begins/7817633.html .