The killing of another Hindu businessman in Bangladesh is not an isolated crime; it is part of a disturbing and sustained pattern of violence that has unfolded over the past several months. Lynching, hacking, arson, and targeted attacks against members of the Hindu minority have continued with alarming regularity, creating a serious human rights concern and exposing deep fault lines in Bangladesh’s social and political fabric. What makes the situation particularly grave is that these incidents have persisted unabated since the departure of the Sheikh Hasina Government. While criminal acts cannot be automatically politicised, the absence of decisive deterrence, swift justice, and strong public messaging from the authorities has emboldened fringe elements.
Hindus are not outsiders in Bangladesh. They form a sizeable, historically rooted community that has lived in the region since well before the creation of Pakistan and later Bangladesh. Their contributions to the country’s economy, culture, and public life are integral to the Bangladeshi identity itself. Targeting them weakens not only communal harmony but also the moral legitimacy of the state. The irony is painful. India was instrumental in the liberation of East Pakistan in 1971, intervening decisively to end atrocities and helping give birth to an independent Bangladesh. In the years that followed, India extended monetary, technical, and humanitarian support to help rebuild the war-ravaged nation, acting in many ways as a supportive elder sibling. That this very region is now witnessing the persecution of a vulnerable minority raises troubling questions about the direction Bangladesh is taking.
History offers a clear lesson: no country has survived or prospered on the basis of religious carnage. Societies that allow mobs, extremists, or criminal networks to dictate terms inevitably face internal instability, economic decline, and international isolation. For Bangladesh, continued violence against Hindus risks not only domestic unrest but also serious cascading effects on Indo-Bangla relations. India has so far shown restraint, limiting its response to diplomatic protests and expressions of concern. The primary onus, unequivocally, lies with the Bangladesh Government to protect every citizen, irrespective of faith. At the same time, Bangladesh’s civil society and religious leaders have a crucial role to play. Their voices can delegitimise violence, counter extremist narratives, and reassure minorities that they are not alone. The present situation is unacceptable. Protecting minorities is not a favour; it is a constitutional and moral obligation.
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