Extremists Attack Hindu Protesters, Exposing Bangladesh’s Deepening Crisis

Bangladesh’s Rangpur Division witnessed a harrowing episode of violence, laying bare the escalating threats faced by religious minorities in the country. What was meant to be a peaceful rally advocating for Hindu minority rights turned into a brutal assault, underscoring a growing crisis of intolerance and insecurity.

The rally, organized by the Bangladesh Sammilito Sanatani Jagran Mancha, was intended to highlight eight critical demands, including the creation of a Minority Affairs Ministry, expedited justice for victims of violence through a special tribunal, compensation and rehabilitation for affected families, and reserved parliamentary seats for the Hindu population. The gathering drew participants from across the nation, including elders, families, and children, who convened at the Mahiganj College grounds.

Violent Ambush on Protesters

Before the rally could commence, buses carrying protesters were ambushed by a mob armed with weapons. Roads were blocked, vehicles surrounded, and chaos ensued. Protesters described a scene of terror as the mob hurled rocks and threats, trapping many inside their buses. At least 20 people were reported injured, and eyewitness accounts suggested that the attack was premeditated.

“This wasn’t random violence—it was a calculated attempt to silence us,” said a survivor. Disturbing videos circulating on social media showed elderly men being chased and beaten, and frightened families under siege.

Absence of Law Enforcement

Perhaps the most shocking aspect of the incident was the conspicuous absence of law enforcement. Rally leaders and survivors condemned the lack of police intervention, accusing authorities of turning a blind eye to the growing hostility against minorities.

Nilkanto Das, a protester from Chittagong, expressed the community’s frustration: “The silence of the authorities empowers these attackers. We’re left to fend for ourselves.”

A Growing Trend of Violence

This assault is the latest in a series of targeted attacks on Bangladesh’s Hindu minority, who make up less than 10% of the population. Community leaders argue that these incidents are not isolated but part of a systemic pattern of persecution, fueled by extremist ideologies and government inaction.

Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari, spokesperson for the Bangladesh Sanatan Jagoron Moncho, called for urgent reform:
“This attack is a stark reminder of the volatile and dangerous position in which Bangladesh’s religious minorities find themselves. It underscores the urgent need for systemic change—not just from the government, but from society as a whole.”

Rallying for Justice

Despite the violence, the rally continued as survivors regrouped at the site. Their chants for justice and equality resonated as a testament to their resilience. Leaders emphasized that the attack only reinforced the urgency of their demands.

“We were born in this country, and we will not allow anyone to steal our land or silence us,” declared Brahmachari. “We will resist those who try to divide the Sanatani.”

Larger Implications

Analysts warn that extremist groups in Bangladesh are growing emboldened by the lack of government action, systematically targeting vulnerable communities. The events in Rangpur reflect a broader instability, where state inaction fuels a dangerous environment for minorities.

For now, the voices of the Hindu community remain defiant, demanding protection, equality, and justice in the face of mounting adversity. The attack serves as a grim reminder of the urgent need for reform and the perilous state of religious freedom in Bangladesh.

Source: The Chittagong Hill Tracts

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