Fact Check: There has been a rise in targeted attacks against the Hindu community in Bangladesh.

Fact Check: "There has been a rise in targeted attacks against the Hindu community in Bangladesh."

What We Know

Following the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on August 5, 2024, there has been a notable increase in violence targeting the Hindu community in Bangladesh. Reports indicate that from August 4 to August 20, 2024, a total of 2,010 incidents of violence against minorities were recorded, with 69 temples among the affected sites (source-1). The Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council reported that 157 families had their homes and businesses attacked, looted, and vandalized during this period (source-1).

The violence appears to be politically motivated, as many of the victims were associated with the Awami League party, which was in power before the political upheaval (source-1). Reports also suggest that five Hindus were killed during these attacks, with at least two confirmed as Awami League members (source-1).

Additionally, the UN Human Rights Office has highlighted that the violence not only affected Hindus but also targeted Ahmadiyya Muslims and indigenous communities (source-1).

Analysis

The evidence supporting the claim of increased targeted attacks against the Hindu community in Bangladesh is substantial. Various credible sources, including the Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council and local media reports, corroborate the occurrence of numerous violent incidents following the political unrest. The New York Times reported that Hindus, perceived as supporters of the ousted government, faced violent reprisals, with homes and temples being vandalized and looted (source-2).

The Prothom Alo investigation further detailed that 1,068 attacks on minority communities occurred across 49 districts, with the majority of violence concentrated in the Khulna division (source-1). This aligns with reports from other organizations that have documented the rise in communal violence, including a UN report that cited religious and ethnic discrimination as motives behind the attacks (source-1).

However, some reports have attempted to downplay the communal aspect of the violence, suggesting that motives were mixed, including political retribution and local disputes (source-1). While these perspectives are important, they do not negate the fact that a significant number of attacks were directed specifically at Hindus, indicating a targeted nature of the violence.

Conclusion

The claim that there has been a rise in targeted attacks against the Hindu community in Bangladesh is True. The evidence from multiple credible sources indicates a significant increase in violence against Hindus following the political upheaval in August 2024. The documented incidents of attacks, vandalism, and fatalities substantiate the assertion that the Hindu community has faced targeted violence during this period.

Fact Check: There has been a rise in targeted attacks against the Hindu community in Bangladesh.