Special Correspondent:
For decades, Bangladesh has witnessed periodic outbreaks of communal violence, often targeting its religious and ethnic minority communities—most notably the Hindu, Buddhist, and Christian populations. Despite its constitutional promises of secularism and religious freedom, these communities continue to face attacks, especially during politically sensitive times or after the spread of rumors on social media.
Historical Background:
The roots of communal tensions in Bangladesh trace back to the colonial era and partition of India in 1947. One of the darkest chapters was the Noakhali riots of 1946, where widespread violence against Hindus caused mass displacements. After partition, East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) saw repeated incidents most notably in 1949–50, leading to the resignation and migration of a dalit leader Barrister Jogendranath Mandal, Pakistan’s first Law Minister, who cited state failure to protect minorities and became compelled to take shelter in India for safety.
In 1964, Communal violences occured throughout the Pakistan centreing Kashmir issue.
The Indo-Pak War of 1965 further led to the Enemy Property Act, under which countless Hindus lost land and migrated to India.
In 1971, during Bangladesh’s War of Liberation, the Pakistani army and its collaborators systematically targeted pro-liberation forces mainly Hindus, branding them as “pro-India.”
Post-Independence Attacks:
Even after independence, attacks on minorities did not cease. In 1972, during the first Durga Puja, idols were reportedly vandalized.
In 1990 &1992, Communal violences erupted throughout the country.
In 2001 after general election, minorities were subjected to arson, looting, sexual violence, and desecration of temples in various districts of the southern region of the country.
Spreading religion & rumours through social media in Digital Era:
In the digital age, social media has become a new weapon to planfully make attacks on minorities. From Ramu in Cox’s Bazar (2012) to latest Rangpur’s Gangachara (2025), fake Facebook accounts have been used to post alleged Facebook post hurting religious sentiments, triggering mobs to burn homes, temples, and displace entire communities. Shockingly, those spreading rumors often go unpunished, while innocent people whose names or photos were misused get arrested. Even, A BBC Bangla report (2025) revealed that in Gangachara, mobs attacked Hindu homes based on a non-verified Facebook post, allegedly by a teenage boy. Locals later said the account wasn’t real, yet no one was held accountable for the attack.
Politically Motivated Violence:
Election years are particularly volatile. Before and after national elections, minorities often become scapegoats in political rivalries, facing orchestrated violence while major parties blame one another. Many victims choose silence or migration over justice, contributing to the steady decline of the Hindu population from around 30% in 1947 to below 8% today.
Call for Action:
Despite media coverage and civil society outrage, justice remains elusive. There’s an urgent need for:
Stronger digital surveillance to track and stop fake, inciteful content.
Swift legal action against perpetrators of communal violence.
Government-led reconciliation and compensation programs.
Protection of minority rights through constitutional enforcement, not just rhetoric.
Conclusion
Communal violence in Bangladesh is not merely a series of isolated events—it reflects deeper issues of intolerance, impunity, and political exploitation. For a truly inclusive and democratic society, Bangladesh must confront this legacy, protect its minorities, and ensure that “Never Again” is more than just a slogan.
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