23 Hindus killed, 152 attacks on temples in Bangladesh: Govt in LS

As many as 23 Hindus have been killed and 152 attacks on temples have occurred in Bangladesh as the violence against the minority Hindu community continues in the nation led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus.

The figures were shared by Minister of State in the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Kirti Vardhan Singh in the Lok Sabha in response to a question on harassment of Hindus in Bangladesh.

In a written reply before the House, the minister said from November 26, 2024 till January 25, 2025, 76 cases of attacks against Hindus had been reported in Bangladesh.

He also said since August, reports had cited deaths of 23 Hindus and 152 attacks on temples in Bangladesh.

After the ouster of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina from the country on August 5 last year following unprecedented student protests, the cases of violence against minorities, particularly Hindus, in Bangladesh have increased. The minorities were attacked following Hasina’s ouster who since then has sought refuge in India. New Delhi has been urging Dhaka to take measures against the culprits involved in arson and killings of minorities in the country.

The minister said the government had taken note of the incidents and shared its concerns with the Bangladesh regime.

“India’s expectations regarding the protection of Hindus and other minorities were reiterated during the visit of the Foreign Secretary to Bangladesh on December 9, 2024,” the minister said in his reply.

On December 10 last year, the Bangladesh government had announced that 70 persons had been arrested in 88 cases related to attacks against minorities in Bangladesh and the police investigation subsequently verified 1,254 incidents, the minister mentioned in his reply.

“The primary responsibility for the protection of life and liberty of all citizens of Bangladesh, including minorities, rests with the Bangladesh government. The High Commission of India in Dhaka continues to monitor the situation related to minorities closely,” the minister said.