The Bangladesh Hindu Bouddha Christian Oikya Parishad (BHBCOP), a leading human rights organization dedicated to fighting religious discrimination, has expressed deep sorrow and anger over the recent comments made by Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus. The group has condemned his remarks as a “denial of the truth” regarding the ongoing persecution of religious minorities in Bangladesh.
In a recent interview with Zeteo News during the UN General Assembly session, Yunus dismissed allegations of widespread violence against minorities as “baseless,” despite evidence of communal attacks in at least 13 districts across the country, particularly ahead of the Durga Puja festivities.
The BHBCOP, in its report, outlined a staggering 2,442 incidents of violence against religious and ethnic minorities between August 4, 2024, and June 30, 2025. Of these incidents, the most severe occurred between August 4 and August 20, 2024, when over 2,100 attacks targeted homes, businesses, and places of worship. These attacks were part of a broader pattern of violence against the Hindu community and other minorities in the lead-up to Durga Puja celebrations, with idols being vandalized in four districts alone.
In a meeting with Yunus on August 13, 2024, the BHBCOP directly addressed the ongoing violence, particularly against Hindus, urging immediate action from the government to stem the tide of persecution. Despite this, the violence has continued unchecked. The United Nations Fact-Finding Commission’s report, released on February 12, 2025, corroborated the claims of widespread minority persecution, citing ongoing attacks that started on August 5, 2024, and have persisted sporadically across the country.
The International Community’s Indifference
While Yunus admitted to the persecution of minorities, including Hindus, in a February 2025 interview with NPR, his previous denials have cast doubt on the government’s commitment to addressing the crisis. His comments have sparked frustration, as activists accuse him of undermining the severity of the violence and offering impunity to the perpetrators. These failures have created a sense of insecurity within minority communities, who feel increasingly vulnerable under the current administration.
In addition to Yunus’ remarks, the Home Adviser, Lt. Gen. (Retd) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, recently came under fire for his controversial comments linking Durga Puja celebrations with alcohol and marijuana. Activists have demanded an apology from Chowdhury, accusing him of disrespecting the religious sentiments of Hindus and revealing a deeply ingrained communal mindset.
A Call for Action
The BHBCOP and other activists argue that the denial of communal violence by the Yunus-led government has allowed fundamentalist elements to perpetuate their attacks with impunity. This has not only disrupted the celebrations of the Hindu community but has also undermined the fabric of Bangladesh’s communal harmony. Behind these acts of violence lies a calculated conspiracy by extremist groups aiming to tarnish one of the most important religious festivals in the country.
The ongoing vandalism of Durga idols is not just a law-and-order issue, but a deliberate assault on Bangladesh’s cultural heritage and the unity of its people. Activists stress that it is essential for the administration to take decisive action, ensuring that perpetrators are held accountable and punished swiftly. The lack of proactive security measures has emboldened those behind these attacks, leading to widespread public frustration and a growing sense of insecurity among minorities.
As the nation continues to grapple with these challenges, it is crucial that the government not only acknowledges the reality of the communal violence but also takes meaningful steps to restore trust and ensure the safety of all its citizens—regardless of their faith or background. The failure to do so risks further undermining the very principles of unity and coexistence upon which Bangladesh was built.
