Atrocities Against Hindus: An Alarming Pattern
Recent events in Bangladesh involving police and army violence against Hindus have sparked outrage and concern. When members of the Hindu community protested derogatory remarks made by a Muslim trader about ISKCON, they expected legal protection.
Instead, they faced brutal attacks from the very authorities meant to ensure their safety. This alarming situation raises critical questions: If these acts are not genocide, then what are they?
Heartbreaking 💔 Over 50 Hindus killed & injured in joint attack by Bangladesh Army & terrorists of Jamaat-e-Islami in Chattogram, Bangladesh. At least 6 Hindu women & girls are kidnapped by Radical Islamists
The World is silent. @UNHumanRights is sleeping #SaveBangladeshiHindus pic.twitter.com/m2D0gpnciS
— Baba Banarasâ„¢ (@RealBababanaras) November 6, 2024
The Incident in Hazari Goli
On November 5, 2024, the Hindu community in Hazari Goli, Chittagong, became the target of an unprovoked assault. Reports indicate that local Hindus gathered outside the shop of Osman Mollah to express their anger over his derogatory Facebook post.
Rather than addressing the community’s grievances, law enforcement officials placed Osman in “safe custody,” revealing a troubling bias against the Hindu minority.
Aggression from Authorities
As tensions escalated, a joint police and army team descended on the area. They claimed that the Hindu protesters attacked them with bricks and acid. However, eyewitness accounts suggest otherwise.
Videos from the scene depict officers aggressively hunting down innocent individuals, resulting in injuries to at least five Hindus. Moreover, the authorities have detained numerous community members, further emphasizing their oppressive tactics.
Bangladesh army is attacking the houses of Hindus in Chittagong.
Save Hindus in Bangladesh!pic.twitter.com/vxaRqlL4Rv
— Azat (@AzatAlsalim) November 5, 2024
The situation did not improve as the attacks continued late into the night. Local residents captured footage of police and army officials destroying CCTV cameras. This act seemed designed to eliminate evidence of their misconduct. Such actions reflect a blatant disregard for accountability and a willingness to fabricate narratives to justify violence against Hindus.
A Broader Pattern of Oppression
These events echo a broader pattern of systemic oppression. Last month, a Hindu student faced mob violence after being falsely accused of blasphemy. In this case, law enforcement failed to protect the student from the enraged mob. This incident illustrates a troubling trend of inaction in safeguarding the rights of religious minorities.
Genocide of Hindus a Reality?
In light of these incidents, one must ask: Are these attacks simply a reflection of societal tensions, or do they signify a more profound, systematic effort to eliminate Hindus in Bangladesh? When police and military forces choose to target a religious minority rather than protect them, it raises significant concerns about genocide.
The Need for Urgent Action
The repeated violence against Hindus, coupled with the authorities’ efforts to distort the narrative, reveals a dangerous reality. When police and army officials engage in violence, they not only betray their duty but also instigate further division within society. If such acts continue unchecked, the world must confront the question of accountability and justice for the Hindu community in Bangladesh.
As we observe these developments, it is crucial to advocate for the protection of minority religious communities in Bangladesh. The ongoing persecution of Hindus should not be dismissed or normalized. Instead, it demands urgent attention and action from the international community. Silence in the face of such atrocities can only lead to further tragedies.