A Dossier on Anti-Minority Violence in Bangladesh: Timeline of Violence Against Minority Communities (2024-2026)

Dossier

Report Curator - Ms Ruchika Sharma, Research Associate, Usanas Foundation

Rapporteurs - Simran Rathore, Shiwani Yadav and Mahima Katiyar, Research Interns 

Translation Credits- Maxim Sinha, Research Intern

The horrific killing of Dipu Chandra Das, a Hindu garment factory worker in Bhaluka, Mymensingh, drew attention to the deteriorating security situation in Bangladesh. The systematic targeting of minorities points to a broader and more dangerous pattern unfolding in India’s neighborhood. In the first three days after the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s regime, more than 200 instances targeting minority communities were reported. Even the religious sites of minorities are subject to frequent attacks. One of the significant drivers contributing to violence is the spreading of false information, including unproven allegations of blasphemy against minority communities on social media. Accusations leveled on social media against minorities before any formal investigation or verification is launched are one of the significant drivers of violence.

The shrinking space for religious minorities further indicates that these changes are not only rhetorical but also affecting ground realities. The construction of a Lord Ram statue at the Sri Sri Govinda and Kali Mandir in Palashbari upazila (sub-district) of Gaibandha stirred a massive controversy in Bangladesh. Amid heightened tensions and protests, the temple committee announced the suspension of the idol’s construction. Among the most vocal critics was Ataur Rahman Bikrompuri, famously known for his controversial and hate-filled sermons and provocative online speeches as well as Facebook posts. He strongly opposes the construction of Lord Ram’s idol and shares images of a proposed “Babri Masjid-Uttar Banga” in Palashbari. His fundraising appeals frame the proposed mosque project even in strategic terms and encourage donations by describing it as a religious obligation and a form of Sadaqah Jariyah (continuous charity). Bikrompuri was arrested in 2021 for his alleged links to the Ansarullah Bangla Team, which is linked to Al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent. Janata. Beyond online campaigning, on 7 June, Bikrompuri joined a march alongside Jashimuddin Rahmani, the leader of Ansarullah Bangla Team (linked to Al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent). Bikrompuri was arrested in 2021 for his alleged links to the Ansarullah Bangla Team, which is linked to Al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent.

The direction of developments in Bangladesh is extremely concerning. India’s eastern frontier is increasingly becoming another hotspot for extremist activities, especially post-August 2024. The current trajectory suggests the widening space for radicals and jihadists in Bangladesh. Statements made by provocative figures are used to shape public sentiment and, in some cases, justify hostility or violence against minorities. The details of the attacks are documented in the Usanas Foundation dossier titled Violence Against Minorities: A Timeline of Attacks below: