Several Hindu-owned homes in Bangladesh have been set on fire in recent days, highlighting a surge in attacks on the country’s minority communities. In Pirojpur district, a house in Dumritola village was deliberately torched after cloth was stuffed into a room and ignited, completely destroying the residence and the family’s belongings. Fortunately, the family escaped unharmed, though their pets were killed in the blaze. Authorities have arrested five suspects and are searching for more.
Similar incidents have been reported in other districts. In Raozan, Chattogram, two homes belonging to Hindu expatriate families were set ablaze after attackers reportedly locked residents inside. The eight occupants managed to escape by breaking through walls and fencing. Reports indicate that at least seven Hindu households across multiple areas have been attacked in recent weeks, forcing families to flee and raising serious concerns about communal safety.
These attacks come amid ongoing unrest in Bangladesh, following the death of youth leader Sharif Osman Hadi and a series of protests. Earlier in December, a Hindu garment worker, Dipu Chandra Das, was lynched and his body burned in Mymensingh after unverified blasphemy allegations, drawing national and international condemnation.
Human rights groups warn that these incidents reflect broader communal tensions and systemic vulnerabilities for minority communities. While the interim government says it is taking measures to protect minorities and ensure justice, the spate of arson and threats continues to raise alarm. Civil society and international observers are urging stronger action to prevent further attacks and secure the safety of vulnerable communities.
The series of attacks emphasises on the urgent need for enhanced protection for religious minorities and accountability for perpetrators, as fear and displacement continue to affect Hindu families in Bangladesh.
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