Report Flags 71 Blasphemy-Related Attacks On Hindu Minorities Across Bangladesh In 6 Months

Last Updated:December 27, 2025, 20:12 IST

The report notes that such cases often extend beyond the accused individual, resulting in attacks on entire neighbourhoods.

Security personnel try to stop Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) activists along with others during a protest march near the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi. (AFP)

At least 71 incidents linked to blasphemy allegations targeting Hindu minorities were reported across Bangladesh between June and December 2025, according to a new report released by the Human Rights Congress for Bangladesh Minorities (HRCBM).

The findings have added to growing concerns, including in India, over what officials have described as sustained hostility against religious minorities in the neighbouring country.

The report documents cases from more than 30 districts, including Rangpur, Chandpur, Chattogram, Dinajpur, Lalmonirhat, Sunamganj, Khulna, Comilla, Gazipur, Tangail and Sylhet. Rights groups cited in the report say the geographical spread and recurring nature of the incidents point to a pattern of vulnerability for minorities facing religiously framed accusations, rather than isolated episodes.

According to HRCBM, blasphemy allegations frequently escalated into police action, mob violence and collective punishment of Hindu communities.

On June 19, 2025, a 22-year-old man was arrested in Barisal over alleged derogatory remarks, while days later similar allegations triggered unrest in Chandpur.

One of the most severe incidents occurred on July 27, 2025, in Rangpur’s Betgari Union, where the arrest of a 17-year-old boy was followed by the vandalisation of at least 22 Hindu homes.

The report notes that such cases often extend beyond the accused individual, resulting in attacks on entire neighbourhoods.

Overall, the 71 documented incidents include police arrests and FIRs, mob assaults, damage to homes and temples, expulsions and suspensions from educational institutions, and deaths following mob attacks.

More than 90 per cent of those named in the cases were Hindus, including minors aged between 15 and 17, the report said.

Social Media Triggers

HRCBM found that many allegations originated from disputed or allegedly fabricated social media posts, particularly on Facebook.

In some cases, the posts were traced to hacked accounts or could not be forensically verified. Rights groups said arrests were often made under public pressure, sometimes before preliminary investigations were completed.

Several cases were registered under Bangladesh’s Cyber Security Act, with students among the most affected.

Universities and colleges emerged as flashpoints, with multiple students facing suspension, expulsion or police remand following allegations of insulting religious sentiments.

The report also highlighted instances where violence continued even after police custody, raising questions about the adequacy of state protection.

Fatal Attacks Raise Alarm

The report records multiple deaths linked to blasphemy-related violence. On December 18, 2025, a 30-year-old Hindu man was beaten to death and his body set ablaze by a mob in Mymensingh following allegations of blasphemy.

Earlier incidents included the fatal assault of a minor in Khulna, allegedly carried out in the presence of security personnel, prompting concerns over law enforcement accountability.

Pattern Of Targeting Minorities

Human rights observers quoted in the report said the recurring sequence, online accusations, swift arrests, mob mobilisation and attacks on Hindu localities, suggests blasphemy allegations are increasingly being used as a trigger for intimidation and persecution.

Minors and economically vulnerable individuals were found to be disproportionately affected.

The report warned that without stronger safeguards and accountability mechanisms, such allegations could continue to endanger minority communities.

India Flags Concern

The findings align with recent statements from India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), which has expressed concern over violence against minorities in Bangladesh.

The MEA has condemned recent lynchings of Hindu men and said it expects perpetrators to be brought to justice.

According to Indian officials, thousands of incidents involving violence against minorities have been reported during the tenure of Bangladesh’s interim administration under Muhammad Yunus.

News world Report Flags 71 Blasphemy-Related Attacks on Hindu Minorities Across Bangladesh

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