Dhaka / New Delhi ( Rajeev Sharma/ Gurpreet Singh): Incidents of violence involving members of the Hindu minority community in Bangladesh have triggered serious concern in India and abroad, prompting diplomatic engagement by the Indian government and protests by civil society groups. While social media claims often describe large scale “slaughter” of Hindu families, there is no officially verified figure confirming mass killing of entire families. However, human rights groups and minority organisations have documented hundreds of violent incidents against Hindus, including murders, assaults, arson attacks on homes, vandalism of temples, threats, and forced displacement in different parts of Bangladesh over recent years.
The issue came sharply into focus after the lynching of Hindu man Dipu Chandra Das in December, an incident that drew condemnation from India, the United States, and international observers. Minority rights organisations in Bangladesh have stated that fear among Hindu families has increased, particularly in politically tense periods, and have alleged that in several cases justice has been slow or inadequate. At the same time, Bangladeshi authorities maintain that these are criminal acts by individuals, not state-sponsored or systematic persecution.
According to monitoring groups cited by international media, more than 200–300 incidents of violence and intimidation against Hindu individuals and families were reported in 2024–25, including killings, attacks on houses, and destruction of religious property. These reports do not confirm a total number of “Hindu families slaughtered”, but they do establish a pattern of repeated attacks that has left sections of the community feeling unsafe.
Reacting to the situation, the Government of India, through the Ministry of External Affairs, has publicly condemned the violence and stated that attacks on minorities in Bangladesh “cannot be brushed aside.” India has raised the issue diplomatically with Dhaka, urged strict action against perpetrators, and called on Bangladesh to ensure the safety, dignity, and equal rights of all minorities, including Hindus. Indian officials have also said they are closely monitoring developments and expect accountability in cases of mob violence and killings.
Public anger in India has been visible through protests in several cities, including demonstrations near the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi, where protesters demanded stronger international pressure to protect Hindu minorities. Political and social organisations have urged the Indian government to keep the issue on global platforms and ensure it remains part of bilateral discussions.
The Bangladesh government, however, has rejected claims of widespread or targeted persecution, arguing that such incidents are being exaggerated and that law-enforcement agencies are taking action where crimes occur. Dhaka insists that Bangladesh remains a secular country and that minority rights are protected under its constitution.
In summary, while there is no confirmed official count of Hindu families being killed, credible reports do show repeated violent incidents against Hindu individuals and households, raising genuine concern about minority security. India has responded through diplomatic channels and public statements, but the issue remains sensitive, contested, and closely watched on both sides of the border.
