Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has accused the country's interim authorities of failing to protect religious and ethnic minorities, citing killings, temple attacks, idol vandalism, land grabs, and violence against women that have persisted since August 2024. Her remarks came in a Durga Puja message directed at Bangladesh's Hindu community, as the festival is being observed under a shadow of fear across the country.

Durga Puja Marred by Insecurity

'But it is with deep sorrow and pain that I must say that this year's Durgotsav has come at a time when a deep sense of insecurity prevails among the religious and ethnic minorities of Bangladesh, including the followers of the Sanatan faith,' Hasina said in her message. She added that the situation had become 'a cause of grave concern not only within the country but also internationally.'

The former prime minister invoked the spirit of the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War, urging citizens who believe in its non-communal ideals to stand beside the Hindu community and resist provocation.

Key Cases Cited by Hasina

Hasina highlighted the alleged murder of Hindu schoolteacher Ganapati Chakraborty and his entire family in Rangpur city, claiming no credible or impartial investigation had been conducted. She alleged that a 'Joj Mia drama' had been staged to swiftly cover up the incident — a characterisation that authorities have not publicly responded to.

She also referenced the mob lynching of Dipu Chandra Das, a Hindu man, stating that the accused — including those who reportedly confessed — had since been granted bail. The juxtaposition of these outcomes with the prolonged detention of religious leader Chinmoy Krishna Das formed the core of her critique.

Chinmoy Krishna Das: The Human Face of the Argument

According to Hasina, Chinmoy Krishna Das, a prominent Hindu religious figure, has been held for nearly two years on what she described as 'false charges,' and was repeatedly denied permission to visit his ailing mother before her death, despite submitting multiple applications.

'His mother passed away longing to see her son one last time. He was granted parole of only five hours for her funeral rites. Chinmoy Prabhu's tear-soaked face at his mother's funeral rites today is a symbol of the helplessness and pain of the followers of the Sanatan faith in Bangladesh,' she stated.

Impunity and the Rule of Law

Hasina questioned Bangladesh's legal and governance framework directly: 'What kind of state system is this, where those accused of murder walk free, yet a religious leader remains in prison year after year for speaking about the rights and security of his own community?' She warned that such impunity emboldens communal forces and erodes minority trust in the state.

This comes amid sustained international scrutiny of Bangladesh's treatment of religious minorities following the political upheaval of mid-2024. Human rights organisations have documented a spike in incidents targeting Hindu communities in the months that followed.

Hasina's Call to Action

The former prime minister called on Awami League leaders, activists, and supporters to stand with the Hindu community. 'Stand beside your Sanatan brothers and sisters. Protect communal harmony. Do not fall for any provocation,' she urged.

Whether the statement translates into ground-level action — or remains a symbolic gesture from a leader currently outside Bangladesh — will be closely watched in the days ahead.