Tensions are escalating in Bangladesh following a series of violent attacks targeting minority communities in the Sunamgonj district. The Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council issued a stark statement on Thursday detailing the extent of the damage inflicted upon Hindu residents. The statement paints a grim picture of widespread destruction, revealing that over 100 homes and businesses were attacked, vandalized, and looted in Manglargaon and Monigaon East Gunigram. The Loknath Temple in Doara Bazar suffered significant damage, further underscoring the severity of the violence.
The council estimates the total financial loss to be at least 15 lakh taka. The attacks, which allegedly occurred late on December 3rd, also heavily damaged the residence and family temple of the local Upazila Puja Udjakar Parishad chief. The statement further highlights a palpable atmosphere of fear and terror gripping the area, forcing many residents to flee their homes for safety.
These attacks come amidst a backdrop of rising religious tensions in Bangladesh, fueled by the recent arrest of former ISKON priest Chinmoy Krishna Das on sedition charges. The escalating violence has drawn strong condemnation from neighboring India, which has voiced deep concern over the safety and well-being of religious minorities in Bangladesh. India’s apprehension has been further heightened by the abrupt change of government in Bangladesh following a mass uprising in August. This shift in power has led to a deterioration in relations, prompting India to summon the Bangladeshi envoy to express its displeasure.
In response to the escalating crisis, and following a recent attack on the Bangladesh consulate in Tripura, India is gradually withdrawing diplomatic staff from Bangladesh. This diplomatic tension has reached a new peak with the upcoming visit of India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri to Dhaka early next week. This high-level visit aims to address bilateral concerns, specifically focusing on the treatment of religious minorities and the recent political upheaval. Mr. Misri is also scheduled to meet with the head of the caretaker government, Muhammad Yunus, on December 9th. This will be the first high-level interaction between the two nations since the change in government in Dhaka, emphasizing the gravity of the situation and the urgent need for diplomatic resolution.
The scale of the violence, the depth of India’s concern, and the high-level diplomatic efforts underscore the urgency of addressing the root causes of these attacks and ensuring the safety and security of all religious communities within Bangladesh. The international community will be watching closely to see how the situation unfolds and what measures are taken to prevent further violence and promote religious harmony.
