On November 5th, the peaceful city of Chittagong, Bangladesh, was rocked by violent clashes between the Hindu community and Bangladesh security forces, ignited by a controversial social media post. The incident has raised significant concerns over the safety and rights of minorities in the country.
The unrest began when Osman Ali, a member of the radical Islamic group Jamat-e-Islami, posted a derogatory message targeting Hinduism and the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON). This inflammatory post sparked anger among local Hindus, who gathered outside Ali’s shop to protest. What started as a peaceful demonstration quickly escalated into violent confrontations with Bangladesh security forces.
As tensions flared, the Bangladesh Army and other security personnel were deployed to restore order in the Hazari Gali area, a region known for its predominantly Hindu population. The heavy-handed response from authorities, including the use of blank rounds and baton charges, drew widespread condemnation from local and international observers.
Social media footage, including a video shared by exiled author Taslima Nasreen on X (formerly Twitter), captured the chaos, showing security forces clashing with civilians, chasing protesters, and dismantling CCTV cameras to prevent further documentation of the violence. Prothom Alo reported that the security forces engaged in aggressive tactics, including acid burns and the use of force, further escalating the situation.
According to Chittagong Metropolitan Police, officers encountered significant resistance from protesters, allegedly throwing bricks and acid. Nine officers were injured during the crackdown. Dhaka Tribune reported that 582 individuals have been charged, with 49 arrested, but Hindu leaders argue that security forces have disproportionately targeted their community. They assert that while both Hindus and Muslims were involved in the initial clashes, the authorities launched indiscriminate attacks on Hindu residents.
The ongoing military operations in Hazari Gali, a market area predominantly populated by Hindus, have left residents in fear. Door-to-door searches are being conducted, with reports of harassment and persecution. Many locals have been unable to leave the area, adding to the anxiety of an already vulnerable community.
This violent incident is part of a disturbing pattern of escalating attacks on Hindu minorities in Bangladesh, where they make up roughly 8% of the population. Hindus have historically been strong supporters of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League party, but this recent crackdown has raised alarms about the security of minorities in the country.
The Bangladesh government, led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, has condemned the violence and vowed to collaborate with community leaders to safeguard the rights and security of Hindus amid the ongoing crisis. The international community has called for a swift, impartial investigation and for immediate measures to protect the rights of all citizens, regardless of their religion.
