Hindus demanding reforms for minority protection by Bangladesh government attacked by Muslim mob
Rangpur Division, Bangladesh 
21 November, 2024
Case Summary
A Muslim mob attacked Hindus travelling to a protest rally organised by the Bangladesh Sammilit Sanatani Jagran Jot at the Mahiganj College ground in the Rangpur division of Bangladesh. The rally aimed to demand the implementation of eight key reforms for minority protection under the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government. According to local sources, members of the Bangladesh Islami Chhatra Shibir were involved in the attack, which left many Hindus injured. Social media footage showed Hindus being blocked from travelling by bus to the rally, with several vehicles reportedly targeted. Despite the violence and intimidation, many Hindus managed to attend the protest. The police and army officials did not take action against the violent Muslim mob during their onslaught on the Hindu community. The rally highlighted demands for minority rights, including - Speedy trial in cases of atrocities on minorities and adequate compensation and rehabilitation of the victims; Enactment of Minority Protection Act; Formation of Ministry of Minority Affairs; Upgradation of Hindu Welfare Trusts to Hindu Foundations; Implementation of the ‘Property Recovery and Preservation Act and Transfer of Entrusted Property Act’ should be properly implemented; Construction of places of worship for minorities in every educational institution and allotment of prayer rooms in every hostel; Modernisation of Board of Sanskrit and Pali Education; Mandatory 5 days holiday on Durga Puja.
Why it is Hate Crime ?
This case has been added to the tracker under the prime category of- Attack not resulting in death. Under this, the first prime category selected is- Attacked for Hindu identity. In several cases, Hindus are attacked merely for their Hindu identity without any perceived provocation. A classic example of this category of religiously motivated hate crime is a murder in 2016. 7 ISIS terrorists were convicted for shooting a school principal in Kanpur because they got ‘triggered’ seeing the Kalava on his wrist and tilak that he had put. In this, the Hindu victim had offered no provocation except for his Hindu religious identity. The motivation for the murder was purely religious, driven by religious supremacy. Such cases where Hindus are targeted merely for their religious identity would be documented as a hate crime under this category. The removal of Sheikh Hasina from power in Bangladesh on August 5 escalated the persecution and marginalisation of the Hindu minority in the predominantly Islamic nation, intensifying what can be described as a silent genocide. Since her ouster, Islamists have carried out unchecked atrocities against Hindus, including physical violence, the destruction of temples and religious symbols, and the systematic displacement of Hindus from their ancestral lands. Over 205 attacks on Hindu temples, shops, and businesses have been recorded following Sheikh Hasina's removal as Prime Minister. Many Hindus have been brutally murdered or injured in these assaults. The Hindus, in this case, were taking out a peaceful protest to demand critical reforms for minority protection from the new Muhammad Yunus-led government when they were brutally attacked by a Muslim mob. The involvement of the Bangladesh Islami Chhatra Shibir, a student wing with radical affiliations, underscores the targeted nature of this violence. By blocking buses and assaulting Hindu participants, the attackers sought to intimidate and suppress the voices advocating for minority rights. The lack of intervention by police and military officials further exacerbates the issue, pointing to institutional apathy or complicity in ensuring the safety of minority communities during such incidents. This attack was not random; it was calculated to suppress the Hindu voices. The victims were targeted explicitly for their Hindu identity, as evidenced by the nature of the violence and the circumstances surrounding the attack, which is why this case has been added to the tracker.
Case Status
Unknown
Perpetrators Details
Perpetrators
Muslim Extremists
Perpetrators Range
Unknown
Perpetrators Gender
unknown
Sources 
