A wave of communal violence targeting Hindu families in Betgari Union of Gangachara upazila, Rangpur, has drawn widespread condemnation from rights groups, political voices in exile, and civil society. The attacks, which unfolded over the weekend following a controversial social media post, have raised serious concerns about the interim government’s ability — and willingness — to protect religious minorities amid a climate of political repression.
Violence erupted after a 17-year-old Hindu student allegedly posted a Facebook status considered offensive to religious sentiments. Although the teenager was swiftly arrested under the Cybersecurity Act and placed in a juvenile rehabilitation centre, mobs launched retaliatory attacks, looting and vandalizing at least 15 Hindu households across Saturday night and Sunday.
“We lost everything — our harvest, savings, and documents,” said Kamalakanta Roy, one of the victims. “We passed the night in fear, ready to flee at any moment.”
Hindu homes were attacked, vandalized and looted in Gangachara, Rangpur
According to Rangpur Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Rabiul Faisal, male members of 19 out of the 22 affected families have returned home, while most female members remain displaced due to traumatized and extensive damage to their homes.
Delayed Response and Growing Alarm
Security forces were deployed only after the violence had significantly escalated, raising questions about the interim administration’s preparedness and intent. Public anger has grown over what many see as a systemic failure to uphold the rule of law and protect minorities.
Though politically banned by the current regime, the Awami League, which ruled until August 2024, issued a strongly worded statement from its overseas communication cell. It condemned the attacks and directly blamed the interim government, led by Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, and its political backers in the National Citizen Party (NCP), for allowing a climate of impunity to flourish:
“These illegal occupiers — the murderer-Nazi Yunus group — openly harbor and protect extremist communal terrorists. As a result, under this occupation, members of the Hindu community are living in fear — as though exiled in their own homeland.”
Bangladesh Awami League Posted on “X”
Analysts and rights observers have echoed these concerns. According to data released by India’s Ministry of External Affairs, more than 200 attacks on Hindus were recorded across 52 districts in the week immediately following the Awami League’s removal from government. The interim government has acknowledged only 88 incidents so far — a figure widely considered to be understated.
The NCP also faced backlash after its convener, Nahid Islam, remarked, “No one should be spared for insulting the Prophet, but justice must follow the law.” Critics argue that such statements may embolden mob justice while undermining legal due process.
Human Rights Groups Speak Out
In a press release dated July 29, rights organization Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK) strongly condemned the attacks in Gangachara, calling them a blatant violation of constitutional protections.
“Unleashing collective violence on an entire community based on allegations against a single teenager is unacceptable in any civilized society,” ASK stated. “This is a gross violation of human rights and a failure to uphold Articles 27, 28, and 41 of the Constitution, which guarantee equality, religious freedom, and protection for all citizens.”
ASK emphasized that repeated attacks on minorities — with few perpetrators ever brought to justice — have fostered a dangerous culture of impunity. It urged immediate legal action, compensation for affected families, and strong preventive measures against communal incitement.
“The state cannot avoid responsibility,” ASK concluded. “Justice must be served, not only against the perpetrators, but also against those in power who failed to act.”
Relief Measures and Future Outlook
Local authorities say damage assessments are ongoing. Assistant Commissioner Mahmud Hasan Mridha confirmed that the administration is compiling a list of affected families for financial and humanitarian aid. However, victims have reported delays and fear the support will fall short of their needs.
Interfaith leaders and civil society volunteers are working to support displaced families, especially women and children. Yet many warn that relief efforts are no substitute for systemic reform.
“Peaceful coexistence cannot be rebuilt with statements alone,” said one village elder. “It demands protection, justice, and political will.”
With no clear roadmap back to democratic governance, concerns are mounting that such attacks may become more frequent in the absence of electoral accountability. Former Awami League leaders and international observers continue to call for the restoration of constitutional order, warning that religious and political repression under unelected rule threatens Bangladesh’s core values.
