The Bangladesh Hindu Bouddha Christian Oikya Parishad (BHBCOP), a human rights organisation against religious discrimination, has expressed deep sorrow and anger over the remarks made by Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus, describing them as a “denial of the truth.”
In an interview with Zeteo News on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly session, Yunus called the allegations of torture against minorities โbaselessโ, even though communal attacks have been reported in at least 13 districts ahead of the Durga Puja.
In July, the BHBCOP reported a total of 2,442 incidents of violence against religious and ethnic minorities that occurred in 330 days, from August 4 to June 30.
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The highest number of incidents of violence took place from August 4 to August 20 of last year, with 2,100 attacks on houses, business establishments, and temples.
The BHBCOP said on Tuesday that in a view-sharing meeting held with Yunus on August 13, 2024, they highlighted the ongoing violence against minorities, especially the Hindu community, and demanded that it be addressed immediately.
In addition, the report of the United Nations Fact-Finding Commission dated February 12, 2025, also mentions the ongoing persecution of minorities, including the Hindu community, from August 5, 2024, onwards. The attacks are continuing sporadically in different parts of the country.
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On October 1, 2024, in an interview with the American media NPR, Yunus admitted to the persecution of minorities, including the Hindu community. This news was published in the national daily Prothom Alo.
Earlier, the home adviser came under severe criticism for linking the Durga Puja festivities with alcohol and marijuana.
Activists have urged Home Adviser Lt. Gen. (Retd) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury to apologise for his abusive comment on the Durga Puja festival and withdraw his statement. By hurting the religious sentiments of the Hindus, the adviser has exposed his communal mindset in front of the people.
They blame the Yunus regime for not giving any importance to incidents related to communal violence, and denying the allegations as false, exaggerated, and fabricated, while giving impunity to the perpetrators. Hence, the minorities started feeling insecure.
Activists say that these acts not only spoil the joy of devotees but also severely undermine communal harmony. Behind these acts lies a calculated conspiracy by fundamentalist elements aiming to tarnish this religious festival. Unfortunately, the failure of the administration to take proactive measures and maintain proper security has emboldened the perpetrators. Despite repeated incidents, authorities have been unable to ensure adequate protection in advance, creating widespread frustration among the public.
The vandalism of Durga idols during Sharadiya Durga Puja is not merely a law-and-order issue; it is a planned assault on Bangladeshโs communal harmony and cultural heritage. It is therefore imperative that the administration take responsible action and ensure strict punishment for the fundamentalist perpetrators.
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