A severe water crisis gripped parts of Bangladesh, leaving tens of thousands of residents without access to safe drinking water.

The crisis posed serious public health risks and threatened agricultural output in the Feni district of the South Asian country. More than 1.67 lakh tube wells across the coastal district are dried up, local media reported.

The Feni District Public Health Engineering Department (DPHED) said that water is unavailable in 1,67,386 tubewells as the underground water layer dropped significantly. The crisis further deepened in several upazilas of the district where around 70 per cent of tubewells have stopped yielding water, reports the leading Bangladeshi media outlet, UNB.

Due to the crisis, the locals are forced to consume unsafe water from ponds and ditches, which leads to outbreaks of diarrhoea and other waterborne diseases.

“There is no water in tube wells, ponds, or canals. Rain is the only solution,” said the health department’s Executive Engineer, Md Shafiul Haque.

Meanwhile, the reports suggested that 9,871 tube wells out of the registered 36,811 have been not functioning since a long period of time.

And nearly half of the remaining tubewells are dried up with no access to water. Adding to that 50 per cent of the two lakh shallow tube wells installed privately are not producing safe water.

Further, the Fulgazi Upazila of the district reflected a grim picture as the situation is dire amid the water crisis. Kulsum Akter Sharifa, a resident of Sharifpur village’s Kazi Bari, said that five out of 11 families have deep tubewells, but there is no access to safe water.

“We’re suffering terribly trying to collect water for drinking and cooking. We’re forced to fetch water from distant sources,” the resident said.

Another resident said that none of the 35 deep tubewells in his village are functioning. “This is the reality in almost every ward of our union. We have no safe water,” he added.

Last month, according to a report in The Daily Star, Bangladesh is facing an escalating water crisis, the struggle for safe drinking water is becoming increasingly dire in several districts — both in urban centres and remote villages.

–IANS

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The Bangladesh Liberation War of 1971 is celebrated as a triumph of courage and resilience, but beneath the surface of this victory lies a harrowing and often untold story of systematic violence, particularly against Hindu women. The Pakistani Army, aided by local collaborators like the Razakkar and al-Badr militias, unleashed a campaign of terror that included mass rape, murder, and forced impregnation in 1971, with Hindu women bearing the brunt of this brutality. This dark chapter of history reveals not only the horrors of war but also the complicity of local collaborators and the complex role of international organizations like the United Nations and missionary groups in its aftermath.

Targeting Hindu Women: A Deliberate Strategy

The Pakistani Army’s campaign in East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) was not just a military operation but a calculated effort to crush Bengali nationalism and erase Hindu identity from the region. Pakistani leaders, including President Yahya Khan, openly expressed their disdain for Bengalis, whom they viewed as “too close to Hindu India” and not “true Muslims.” This perception fueled a campaign of violence that specifically targeted Hindus, who were seen as symbols of Indian influence and cultural identity. Pakistani soldiers were reportedly told to “make Muslims out of Bengalis,” a chilling directive that underscored the ethnic and religious dimensions of the violence.

Hindu women were systematically raped, often in front of their families, as a means of humiliating and terrorizing the community. Many were taken to “rape camps,” where they were held captive and subjected to repeated assaults. The Razakkar and al-Badr militias, composed of local collaborators, played a key role in identifying Hindu households and facilitating these atrocities. These militias not only aided the Pakistani Army but also looted Hindu properties, further displacing and impoverishing the community.

1971 war r@pe scenario:
Reporting live in January 1972, by @NBCNews, from abortion centers in Dhaka, which were established by the United Nations to house the 1971 wAr r@p€ victims.

The PK army, helped by the Razakars and Ansar Bahini members, r@ped nearly 200000- 400000 lakhs… pic.twitter.com/3pDwtod1Pl

— Monidipa Bose – Dey (মণিদীপা) (@monidipadey) January 9, 2025

The Scale Of The Atrocities

Estimates suggest that between 200,000 and 400,000 women were raped during the nine-month conflict, with a significant proportion being Hindu. The violence was not random but part of a broader strategy to “purify” East Pakistan of its Hindu population. Many Hindu women were killed after being raped; their bodies dumped in mass graves. Others were left traumatized and pregnant, facing lifelong stigma and ostracization.

The Pakistani Army’s actions were not merely acts of war but a deliberate attempt to destroy the cultural and religious fabric of the Bengali Hindu community. This campaign of terror forced hundreds of thousands of Hindus to flee to India, leaving behind their homes, lands, and livelihoods.

For decades, the stories of these women were buried under a veil of shame and silence. Many survivors were abandoned by their families, ostracized by their communities, or driven to suicide. Those who gave birth to children conceived through rape faced unimaginable stigma. These “war babies” were often referred to as “illegitimate,” “enemy children,” or worse, and their mothers were labeled as “polluted” or “dishonored.”  

The Role Of The UN And Missionaries

In the aftermath of the war, the United Nations and international organizations like the International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF) and the Red Cross stepped in to provide medical and psychological support to the survivors. Abortion centers, known as Seba Sadan, were established across Bangladesh to help women terminate pregnancies resulting from rape. These centers were staffed by foreign doctors, including Dr. Geoffrey Davis, an Australian physician who performed late-term abortions and facilitated international adoptions.

only in missionaries of charity's Dhaka hospitals , 23000 abortion were performed

400 babies were born in every seva sadan ( temporary hospitals established for war victims) pic.twitter.com/SjVOL8mCit

— Shamindu Mukherjee (@Sham_Bharat) January 9, 2025

Dr. Davis, in interviews, recounted the harrowing stories he heard from survivors: women tied to trees and gang-raped, breasts hacked off, and others left to die in mass graves. He estimated that the number of rape survivors was far higher than official figures suggested, and many women had already undergone unsafe abortions before the centers were established.  

Missionary groups, particularly Mother Teresa’s Missionaries of Charity, also played a controversial role in the aftermath of the war. Mother Teresa appealed to women not to abort their pregnancies, urging them instead to give their children up for adoption. Many of these children, often referred to as “war babies,” were sent to countries like Canada, France, and Sweden, where they were raised in Christian families, often cut off from their cultural and religious roots.

While the UN and other organizations focused on providing medical care, missionary groups like Mother Teresa’s Missionaries of Charity became involved in the adoption of war babies. Mother Teresa appealed to women not to abort their pregnancies, urging them instead to give their children up for adoption. Many of these children were sent to countries like Canada, France, and Sweden, where they were raised in Christian families, often cut off from their cultural and religious roots.  

The Bangladeshi government, under pressure to address the issue, enacted the Bangladesh Abandoned Children (Special Provision) Order in 1972, allowing for the international adoption of war babies. However, this process was fraught with ethical dilemmas. Many women were coerced into giving up their children, and some were even sedated to facilitate the adoptions. The babies, often referred to as “unwanted” or “polluted,” were seen as a burden to the newly independent nation.  

The Erasure Of History

Despite the scale of the atrocities, the stories of the rape survivors and their children have been largely erased from the official narrative of the Liberation War. The Bangladeshi government, under Prime Minister Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, honored the survivors as Birangona (war heroines) but failed to provide them with meaningful support or justice. Many women were pressured into abortions or forced to give up their children for adoption, often against their will.

The government’s focus on “rehabilitating” the survivors often ignored their trauma and agency. Lists of victims were deliberately destroyed, and the stories of the war babies were buried under a veil of shame and silence. Today, there is very little information about these children, many of whom were adopted abroad and grew up without any connection to their birth mothers or cultural heritage.

For decades, the stories of the rape survivors and their children were erased from the official narrative of the Liberation War. The trauma they endured was overshadowed by the broader celebration of independence. However, in recent years, scholars and activists like Bina D’Costa have worked to bring these hidden stories to light, challenging the “historical amnesia” that has long plagued Bangladesh.  

The Rome Statute, which recognized rape as a weapon of war after the Bosnian conflict, offers a framework for seeking justice for the survivors of 1971. Many activists argue that the crimes committed against Bangladeshi women, particularly Hindu women who were disproportionately targeted, should be prosecuted in the War Crimes Tribunal established in Bangladesh decades after independence.  

The unspoken tragedy of 1971 is a stark reminder of the horrors of war and the enduring scars it leaves on survivors. The Hindu women who endured unimaginable violence, and the children born from that violence, deserve recognition, justice, and healing. Their stories must be told, not as a source of shame, but as a testament to their resilience and a call to ensure that such atrocities are never repeated.

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The post The Unspoken Tragedy Of 1971: How Hindu Women Were Targeted And Brutalized During Bangladesh’s Liberation War appeared first on The Commune.

In a continuation of escalating religious persecution in Bangladesh, 17 Christian homes were set ablaze in the Chittagong Hill Tracts on Christmas Eve, leaving families displaced and highlighting the growing vulnerability of religious minorities under the interim regime.

Religious minority persecution does not seem to end under the interim regime of Yunus Muhammad. First they targeted the Hindus, and then the Buddhists, now Christians have been attacked in Bangladesh.

Seventeen houses belonging to the Christian community in the Chittagong Hill Tracts of Bandarban district were set on fire just a day before Christmas, leaving families devastated and unable to celebrate the holiday. The attack occurred in the SP Garden area of Lama Sarai, where 19 families from the Tripura community had been living for the past four months.

Bangladesh : Islamists set ablaze 17 houses belonging to the minority Christian community in Chittagong on Christmas. pic.twitter.com/QsFegdZ6I4

— Avinash K S (@AvinashKS14) December 26, 2024

The victims claim that they were attending Christmas prayers at a nearby church when their homes were set ablaze by assailants who took advantage of their absence. The estimated loss due to the arson is over 15 lakh Taka (approximately 15,000 USD), leaving the families with nothing but the charred remnants of their homes.

According to local sources, the area where the incident took place was previously known as Tangjhiri Para. However, after Benazir Ahmed, a senior officer in the Hasina government, vacated the land in August, the 19 families from the Tripura community moved into the area, which had been renamed SP Garden. The victims insist that the land belongs to their community, but the arson attack has fueled tensions and deepened a long-standing dispute.

One of the victims, Ganga Mani Tripura, whose family lost their home in the fire, revealed that they had been threatened with eviction since 17 November 2024. The attackers allegedly demanded a large sum of money in exchange for allowing them to remain in the area. Ganga said that despite lodging a formal complaint with the Lama police station against 15 individuals, no action was taken to address their grievances or prevent the attack.

Following the fire, local police arrived at the scene but have not yet received any formal complaint. Authorities have stated that they will take action once a complaint is officially filed.

The Christian families affected by the fire are now left without shelter and are living under the open sky, forced to endure the aftermath of a senseless attack on Christmas Eve.

(With inputs from Dainik Bhaskar)

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The post Christmas Eve Terror: 17 Christian Homes Torched In Bangladesh’s Chittagong Hills, Violence Against Non-Muslims Increasing Under Yunus Regime appeared first on The Commune.

Thousands gathered in Karimganj on Saturday for the historic “Cholo Bangladesh” movement, a large-scale protest organized by Sanatani Oikyomanch. The movement, aimed at securing the unconditional release of Chinmoy Prabhu and protesting the persecution of Hindus in Bangladesh, marked a significant milestone in the ongoing fight for justice and religious rights.

The protest began with a massive bike rally at 10:30 AM from the Karimganj College premises, featuring over 2,000 participants. The rally proceeded toward the Sutarkandi border, where by noon, the crowd had swelled to more than 60,000 people. Leading figures from various organizations addressed the gathering, including Shantanu Naik, Coordinator of Sanatani Oikyomanch, Ashit Chakraborty, Chief of Silchar Shankar Math and Mission, Bigananda Maharaj of Bolagiri Ashram, Baikananta Maharaj, and Shibabrarta Saha of RSS.

The primary focus of the protest was twofold: the unconditional release of Chinmoy Prabhu, who is currently imprisoned, and the condemnation of ongoing atrocities against Hindu minorities in Bangladesh. Protestors argued that Prabhu’s imprisonment was a serious violation of human rights and called for his immediate release. In addition, they demanded that the Bangladeshi government take swift action to stop the violence, including looting, killings, and displacement, which have targeted the Hindu community in the country.

At 1:30 PM, the protestors continued their march towards the border, but their progress was halted by personnel from the Border Security Force (BSF) and Assam Police, who stopped the group about half a kilometer from the border. Despite the blockade, the protesters remained resolute, with their calls for justice and religious freedom echoing in the area.

The Sanatani Oikyomanch, which organized the movement, used the occasion to raise awareness of the persistent violations of religious rights in Bangladesh, including the destruction of temples and the persecution of Hindus. The group has vowed to bring these issues to the international stage, urging global attention and action to protect the rights and safety of Hindus in Bangladesh.

The protest concluded with a call for unity across the world to fight against ethnic, religious, and social persecution. Sanatani Oikyomanch has pledged to continue its advocacy until the rights and dignity of Hindus in Bangladesh are fully restored.

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Chinmoy Krishna Das, also known as Sri Chinmoy Krishna Das Prabhu or Chandan Kumar Dhar, is a prominent Hindu religious leader in Bangladesh whose life is a testament to devotion, activism, and resilience amidst challenges. Once a senior figure in the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) Bangladesh, his recent arrest on controversial sedition charges has ignited outrage among Hindu communities in Bangladesh and India.

Das has become a significant leader in Bangladesh’s Hindu minority community. Renowned for his serene and collected nature, he has persistently adopted a peaceful yet determined stance on addressing minority-related concerns.

A Devotee From Childhood

Born in Satkania Upazila, Chittagong, Chinmoy Krishna Das demonstrated a natural affinity for spirituality from an early age. Affectionately called the “Shishu Bokta” (child preacher), he gained a reputation for his eloquence and unwavering commitment to Sanatan Dharma. Over the years, he rose through the ranks of ISKCON, eventually serving as the Divisional Organising Secretary for Chittagong, where he became a respected figure among Bangladesh’s Hindu community.

As the Principal of Pundarik Dham Ashram in Hathazari, Chittagong, he has overseen spiritual and social programs, making the ashram a hub for Hindu cultural and religious activities.

Chinmoy Krishna Das played a significant role in ISKCON’s activities in Bangladesh, serving as the Divisional Organising Secretary for Chittagong. He was known for his dynamic leadership, which expanded ISKCON’s reach and influence in the region.

Championing Hindu Rights

In August 2024, Chinmoy Krishna Das assumed leadership of the Sanatan Jagaran Mancha, a platform advocating for the rights and security of Bangladesh’s Hindu community. This initiative emerged in response to a surge in violence targeting Hindus after the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League government. Under his leadership, the Mancha highlighted atrocities, including attacks on temples, homes, and livelihoods.

Bangladesh’s Hindu community, comprising only 8% of the population, has long faced systemic discrimination and violence. Chinmoy Krishna Das’s vocal advocacy for justice and minority rights brought hope to millions of Hindus while drawing international attention to their plight.

A Controversial Arrest

On 25 November 2024, Chinmoy Krishna Das was arrested at Dhaka’s Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on sedition charges. The allegations stem from an incident in which he and others allegedly raised a saffron flag—a symbol of Hindu pride—above the Bangladeshi national flag during a peaceful rally in Chittagong. His supporters argue this act was a cultural expression, not sedition. However, the Chattogram Sixth Metropolitan Magistrate’s Court denied him bail, marking yet another instance of political persecution of Hindu leaders in Bangladesh.

His supporters see this act as a proud expression of cultural heritage.

Widespread Protests and International Condemnation

The arrest triggered mass protests in Bangladesh and India. Thousands took to the streets in Dhaka, Chittagong, and other cities, demanding his release and an end to violence against Hindus. Tragically, a lawyer, Saiful Islam Alif, was killed during protests in Chittagong, escalating tensions further.

In India, ISKCON members, Hindu leaders, and political figures, including Priyanka Gandhi and Pawan Kalyan, condemned the arrest. Demonstrations in Kolkata and other cities underscored solidarity with Bangladesh’s Hindu community. Indian spiritual leaders Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev, Sri Sri Ravishankar, and British MP Bob Blackman also voiced concerns, calling for international intervention to ensure religious freedoms in Bangladesh.

India’s Ministry of External Affairs expressed “deep concern” over the arrest, urging Bangladesh to safeguard its Hindu citizens and uphold minority rights.

Despite his unwavering commitment to Sanatana Dharma, Chinmoy Krishna Das has faced politically motivated allegations aimed at tarnishing his reputation:

• Sedition Case: His arrest over raising a saffron flag is widely seen as an attempt to suppress Hindu voices.
• Accusations of Communal Tensions: Critics accuse him of inciting unrest, which his supporters vehemently deny.
• Misconduct Allegations: In 2023, ISKCON suspended him following unproven allegations of misconduct, which his followers believe were orchestrated to undermine his influence.
• Acid Attack Allegations: Reports linking him to an acid attack on law enforcement are dismissed by his supporters as baseless.

ISKCON’s Strategic Distancing & Decision Reversal

ISKCON Bangladesh, facing threats of a government ban, publicly distanced itself from Chinmoy Krishna Das. General Secretary Charu Chandra Das Brahmachari stated that he and others were removed from ISKCON for “disciplinary violations,” emphasizing that their actions did not represent ISKCON. This seemingly calculated move seems to have allowed ISKCON to avert a ban and continue operating in a hostile environment. However, the organization also came forward in support of Chinmoy Krishna Das.

https://twitter.com/IskconInc/status/1862133717776679209

The organization released a statement “Iskon has not, and does not distance itself from supporting Chinmoy Krishna Das’s rights and freedom for peacefully calling for protecting Hindus and their places of worship”.

Clarifying ISKCON's position and support for religious rights in Bangladesh pic.twitter.com/dtP6Qu0NoR

— ISKCON (@iskcon) November 28, 2024

Ousted PM Sheikh Hasina also called his arrest ‘unjust‘.

In light of recent events, the Bangladesh government proposed banning ISKCON, categorizing the group as a fundamentalist organization. However, on 28 November 2024, the High Court in Bangladesh decided against prohibiting ISKCON, indicating that the current circumstances do not justify such a judicial action.

Chinmoy Krishna Das is more than a religious leader—he symbolises resilience and hope for Bangladesh’s marginalized Hindus. Despite personal and legal challenges, his steadfast commitment to Sanatana Dharma and minority rights has inspired millions. For many, he embodies the struggle for justice, equality, and the survival of Hindu identity in a nation fraught with religious tensions.

His arrest underscores the dire state of Hindu rights in Bangladesh. It has galvanized global Hindu communities to rally for his release and demand accountability for the injustices faced by minorities. In the eyes of his supporters, Chinmoy Krishna Das is not just a leader—he is a martyr for the cause of Dharma.

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The post Chinmoy Krishna Das: A Resilient Voice Championing Hindu Rights In Bangladesh appeared first on The Commune.

The Dhaka High Court on Thursday, 28 November 2024, declined to issue a suo motu order to ban the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) in Bangladesh, noting that authorities have already initiated necessary measures.

During the hearing, the bench of Justice Farah Mahbub and Justice Debasish Roy Chowdhury reviewed information provided by the Attorney General’s office. Additional Attorney General Aneek R Haque and Deputy Attorney General Md. Asad Uddin informed the court that three separate cases have been registered concerning the murder of lawyer Saiful Islam Alif and ISKCON-related activities, leading to the arrest of 33 individuals.

The bench emphasized that the government must remain vigilant in protecting law and order and the safety of citizens and their property, given the sensitive nature of the situation.

The court’s decision to not ban ISKCON followed a request from Supreme Court lawyer Md. Monir Uddin, who submitted newspaper reports highlighting ISKCON activities. He had urged the bench to ban the organization and impose Section 144 in Chattogram, Rangpur, and Dinajpur. In response, the High Court had earlier directed the Attorney General to report on the steps taken by the government. In Thursday’s session, the bench expressed hope that the authorities would continue to act cautiously to maintain peace and stability.

The petition against ISKCON alleges that the organization incites communal tensions through religious events, imposes its beliefs on traditional Hindu communities, and forcibly converts members of lower Hindu castes. Additional claims include the takeover of Sanatan temples and alleged involvement in communal attacks on mosques. The petition further accused ISKCON of destabilizing the nation and collaborating with foreign media to foster discord.

This controversy has been further intensified by the arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari in Chattogram on charges of sedition. Das was accused of raising a flag on a stand displaying the national flag of Bangladesh and was denied bail, leading to widespread criticism and demands for his release.

(With inputs from Daily Star)

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The post Bangladesh High Court Declines Suo Motu Order To Ban ISKCON appeared first on The Commune.

Violent unrest broke out in Bangladesh following the arrest of ISKCON monk Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari, a prominent Hindu leader, on sedition charges, amid claims that the interim Mohamed Yunus government has allowed Islamists to target the community without consequence. The monk’s detention on Monday, 25 November 2024, sparked nationwide protests, escalating tensions further when a public prosecutor was killed during clashes in Chittagong the following day.

The protests began after Chinmoy Das, also a Bangladesh Sammilito Sanatan Jagaran Jote member, was denied bail in court. Supporters surrounded the police van transporting him, leading to violent confrontations. Demonstrators allegedly hurled stones at security forces, prompting authorities to use stun grenades and baton charges to disperse the crowd. Das was eventually taken to prison under heavy police escort.

During the chaos, public prosecutor Saiful Islam Alif suffered severe head injuries and succumbed to them at Chittagong Medical College Hospital, further inflaming an already volatile situation.

India has expressed deep concern over the incident, calling on Bangladesh to ensure the safety of Hindus and other minorities. “This arrest follows multiple attacks on Hindus and minorities by extremist elements in Bangladesh,” India’s Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement. The ministry also highlighted documented cases of arson, vandalism, and desecration targeting the minority community.

Violence Against Hindus Since Political Coup

It is a known fact that minorities, particularly Hindus, have been targeted in Bangladesh since August 2024 – when the army ousted the Sheikh Hasina government. More than 2,000 attacks on the Hindu community have been reported (with many gone unnoticed), including the ransacking of government buildings, destruction of houses and shops, and other violent acts.

The regime under interim leader Muhammad Yunus is accused of enabling radicals, leading to escalated violence against Hindus and minority groups.

Attacks On Hindus Following Arrest

Hindus were protesting against the arrest of Chinmoy Das outside Chattogram court and Bangladesh police opened fire on them.

BREAKING

Hindus were peacefully protesting outside Chattogram Court when Bangladeshi police opened fire on them!

Several were injured!

Yet the protesters stood their ground, firmly demanding the release of Sri Chinmay Krishna Das Prabhu #FreeChinmayKrishnaPrabhu pic.twitter.com/l8ervAAvYL

— Bloody Media (@bloody_media) November 26, 2024

The army later resorted to lathi charge/baton-charge, and allegedly silent bombs were being deployed against Hindus. Hindu lawyers in the Chittagong Court were also being attacked.

Update : The army is lathi-charged, silent bombs are being fired at the Hindus. They are attacking Hindu lawyers in Chittagong Court.

— Voice of Bangladeshi Hindus (@VHindus71) November 26, 2024

https://twitter.com/TanmoyDash67198/status/1861351019697054163

Muslims and Police are attacking on Hindus in Chittagong. All Hindus of Chittagong are requested to be careful. Jihadis have planned Hindu genocide. Muslims are going to attack the temple. pic.twitter.com/E7AyKgHOcs

— Voice of Bangladeshi Hindus (@VHindus71) November 26, 2024

The police and army are attacking the Hindu minority in #Bangladesh . When Hindus took a peaceful stand against the arrest of iskcon monk Chinmoy Prabhu, the police brutally tortured Hindus under the orders of Md Yunus. @TulsiGabbard @VivekGRamaswamy @realDonaldTrump… pic.twitter.com/zJnmAqqX8W

— Voice of Bangladeshi Hindus (@VHindus71) November 26, 2024

BREAKING

Bangladeshi I$lamists, in collusion with the Bangladesh police and administration, launched a violent attack on the Hindu community, using bullets and sound grenades to cause harm.#SaveBangladeshiHindus pic.twitter.com/DcqpWjyXUL

— Bloody Media (@bloody_media) November 26, 2024

#Bangladesh
Hindus are under attack in #Chattragram. @MEAIndia Sir, please take a look. #FreeChinmoyKrishnaDas pic.twitter.com/FUQKDKmfAc

— Hindu Voice (@HinduVoice_in) November 26, 2024

While this was happening in Chattogram, Islamists attacked Hindus in Thakurgaon, Chittagong, and Chattogram. They set ablaze Hindu homes in the districts.

#Bangladesh
Bangladesh Army and Islamists are now torturing Hindu minorities.

Disturbing footage has come from the #Thakurgaon district.

Bangladesh Army attacked the peaceful protest of the Hindu minorities who were demanding the release of Sri Chinmay Krishna Das Prabhu.… pic.twitter.com/9KD7ba0P6s

— Hindu Voice (@HinduVoice_in) November 26, 2024

News coming in from the #Chattragram district of #Bangladesh.

Islamists set ablaze houses of Hindu minorities in Sebak Road.

Islamist set ablaze the houses of Harijan community. pic.twitter.com/evmX1BFtiC

— Hindu Voice (@HinduVoice_in) November 26, 2024

Islamist mobs are gathering to carry out massacres in Chittagong at night. We appeal to all Hindus to be careful.#SaveBangladeshiHindus #AllEyesOnBangladeshiHindus #ChittagongIsBurning pic.twitter.com/mJCB2tAxst

— Voice of Bangladeshi Hindus (@VHindus71) November 26, 2024

https://twitter.com/ShreeKrishna222/status/1861346942544159078

https://twitter.com/VHindus71/status/1861416305339048116

https://twitter.com/hindu8789/status/1861408657474494812

Mass killing is Going on in Hazari Goli, Chittagong. #MdYunusTheButcher #SaveBangladeshiHindus#AllEyesOnBangladeshiHindus #ChittagongIsBurning pic.twitter.com/QXeqIMZqnU

— Voice of Bangladeshi Hindus (@VHindus71) November 26, 2024

Hindu temples were also attacked – Loknath Dham in Chittagong was attacked by Islamists.

https://twitter.com/hindu8789/status/1861411918910758967

They demolished the Kali Temple of Hazarigoli in Chittagong.

Extremist militant Muslims have demolished the Kali Temple of Hazarigoli in Chittagong.
The donations and jewelery of the temple were stolen by the extremist Muslims of Chittagong.
Even though the Army was present at the spot, no proper action was taken.#SaveBangladeshiHindus… pic.twitter.com/kinxdHlJLL

— Voice of Bangladeshi Hindus (@VHindus71) November 26, 2024

In the Rangunia district, Islamists gave an open call to genocide ISKCON devotees.

#Bangladesh

Islamists are giving an open call to slaughter ISKCON devotees.

Islamists let a rally on the night of 26/11/2024 and raised slogans: “Catch ISKCON one by one, slaughter them.”

The rally was held in #Rangunia. pic.twitter.com/13F1Wale34

— Hindu Voice (@HinduVoice_in) November 26, 2024

And yet the Yunus-led interim government seems to be doing nothing but enabling the Islamists, the police and the Army against the Bangladeshi Hindu minorities.

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Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister and Jana Sena Party leader Pawan Kalyan has strongly condemned the arrest of ISKCON priest Chinmoy Krishna Das in Bangladesh, urging collective action to address what he described as atrocities against the Hindu minority.

Kalyan took to his X handle, calling on the Muhammad Yunus-led Bangladeshi interim government to intervene. He wrote, “Let’s all unite together in condemning the detention of ISKON Bangladesh Priest ‘ Chinmoy Krishna Das’ by Bangladesh police. We urge and plead Bangladesh Govt under Sri Mohammed Yunus to stop atrocities on Hindus. Indian army blood has been spilled, our resources had been spent, our Army Jawans lives had lost for Bangladesh formation. We are deeply disturbed the way our Hindu brothers and sisters are being targeted.”

Let’s all unite together in condemning the detention of ISKON Bangladesh Priest ‘ Chinmoy Krishna Das’ by Bangladesh police. We urge and plead Bangladesh Govt under Sri Mohammed Yunus to stop atrocities on Hindus.

Indian army blood has been spilled , our resources had been… https://t.co/HcE9Mf865m

— Pawan Kalyan (@PawanKalyan) November 27, 2024

Chinmoy Krishna Das, the President of Pundarik Dham and a leader of the Hindu organization Sammilita Sanatani Jote was arrested by Bangladeshi police in plain clothes while traveling from Dhaka to Chittagong. He faces sedition charges related to an October protest where a saffron flag was allegedly raised above the national flag. A Bangladeshi court denied him bail and ordered his detention.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) expressed “deep concern” over Das’ arrest and highlighted a pattern of attacks on minority communities in Bangladesh, including arson, vandalism, and temple desecration. “We urge Bangladeshi authorities to ensure the safety of minorities and protect their rights to peaceful assembly and expression,“ the MEA stated.

The incident has drawn widespread condemnation, reviving discussions on the treatment of minorities in Bangladesh and their safety.

(With inputs from Times of India)

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The post ‘We Are Deeply Disturbed’: AP Dy CM Pawan Kalyan Slams Bangladesh Over ISKCON Priest Chinmoy Krishna Das Arrest & Anti-Hindu Atrocities appeared first on The Commune.

On 5 November 2024, members of the Hindu community in Hazari Goli, Chittagong, were subjected to violent actions by police and law enforcement authorities after staging a protest against a local trader. The trader, Osman Mollah, had made derogatory remarks about ISKCON (International Society for Krishna Consciousness) and Sanatana Dharma, sparking outrage among local Hindus.

The protest took place outside Mollah’s shop, where community members gathered to express their anger. Instead of taking legal action against the trader, law enforcement took Mollah into “safe custody.” However, reports indicate that the police, along with army officials, later turned their focus on the protesting Hindus. Eyewitnesses have shared disturbing images showing a joint team of security forces hunting down members of the Hindu community.

#Important

Hindus are currently under attack in Hazari Goli in Chittagong city of Bangladesh.

OpIndia spoke to a local who confirmed that law enforcement authorities and army officials are behind the onslaught on Hindus.

(1/n) pic.twitter.com/diQmoeb10s

— OpIndia.com (@OpIndia_com) November 5, 2024

Authorities have justified their actions by alleging that the protesters threw bricks and acid at the police, but reports suggest that this was an effort to rationalize the crackdown. At least five Hindus were injured during the assault, and around 30 members of the minority community were detained. Disturbing footage also surfaced showing law enforcement destroying CCTV cameras in an apparent attempt to cover up their actions.

The situation remains tense and alarming! It will be a tough night for the Hindu community in Chittagong.

(3/n) pic.twitter.com/QWhk8qsfZK

— OpIndia.com (@OpIndia_com) November 5, 2024

The violence continued into the night, with local residents recording videos of the ongoing assault by police and army personnel.

A huge disturbance is going on in Chittagong’s Hazari Gull after demonstration against FB post calling ISCKON a terrorist org.

Bangladesh Army, Police and Radicals have started attacking Hindus and their houses. Even CCTV’s are being broken to hide the slaughter of hindus pic.twitter.com/m269rg1mWC

— Megh Updates (@MeghUpdates) November 5, 2024

A huge disturbance is going on in Chittagong’s Hazari Gull after demonstration against FB post calling ISCKON a terrorist org.

Bangladesh Army, Police and Radicals have started attacking Hindus and their houses. Even CCTV’s are being broken to hide the slaughter of hindus pic.twitter.com/m269rg1mWC

— Megh Updates (@MeghUpdates) November 5, 2024

Alleged Blasphemy Incident Escalates Tensions In Faridpur

This incident follows a similar escalation in the Faridpur district, where a Muslim mob attacked a Hindu student after accusing him of blasphemy. The incident took place at Kadirdi Degree College in Boalmari, where a Class XI student, Hridoy Pal, was accused of insulting Prophet Muhammad in a Facebook post. The student denied ownership of the post, explaining that his social media account had been hacked two years ago.

The mob, consisting of madrassa students, gathered outside the college and demanded that the administration hand over the accused student. The situation grew tense as the mob vandalized property and motorcycles. The local police responded, and political leaders intervened to calm the mob. However, to prevent further violence, the army was called in, and they took the student into custody.

A troubling video emerged showing Hridoy Pal blindfolded and being carried by army personnel, with members of the mob slapping and encouraging further abuse. In the video, one army official is seen hitting the student with a stick, while the mob attacked the army with stones and shoes.

(With inputs from OpIndia)

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The post Hindu Community Targeted by Police In Chittagong, Bangladesh Amid Protests appeared first on The Commune.

The recent political upheaval in Bangladesh, following the coup of the Sheikh Hasina government and the appointment of an interim government under the ‘leadership’ of Nobel laureate Professor Mohammad Yunus, has raised more eyebrows than ever, especially regarding minority rights, regional stability, and Bangladesh’s relationship with India.

Durga Puja Restrictions

One of the most contentious issues under the new administration is the instruction for Hindus to conclude their Durga Puja festivities before the Muslim call to prayer (azan) begins. On 10 September 2024, Bangladesh’s Home Ministry issued a directive for Durga Puja celebrations, requiring Puja committees to turn off rituals and sound systems five minutes before and during Azan and Namaz. Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury emphasized ensuring security at Puja mandaps, with 32,666 set up this year. Cross-border movement for Puja was discouraged, urging better arrangements in border areas.

Meet the Bangladeshi Home Minister Advisor who is directing that Hindus must stop their pujas, music, & any rituals 5 minutes before Azan—or face arrest.

This is new Talibani #Bangladesh. But no Bollywoodiya will hold placards for Bangladeshi Minorities because they are Hindus. pic.twitter.com/iI6T9ODSQm

— Radharamn Das राधारमण दास (@RadharamnDas) September 10, 2024

Attack On Minority Hindus in Bangladesh ‘Exaggerated’

Professor Yunus, who previously dismissed reports of attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh as exaggerated, now faces criticism for what many see as a capitulation to radical elements within Bangladeshi society. The timing of this instruction is particularly troubling, coming shortly after a widely reported incident where a Hindu boy, Utsob Mondal, was violently beaten in a police station, contradicting Yunus’s earlier claims.

Utsob Mondal a Hindu boy brutally mυπdered by a Muslim mob inside a Police station in Khulna, Bangladesh.

This brutality happened in front of the Police & Army.

The boy was falsely accused and arrested for alleged blasphemy

pic.twitter.com/ogNzCWZaFX

— Lakshay Mehta (@lakshaymehta31) September 5, 2024

Critics argue that by issuing such an order, the interim government under Yunus is effectively admitting its inability to protect Hindu citizens in Bangladesh who wish to continue their celebrations during azan. This move has been interpreted as a tacit acknowledgement of the power wielded by radical mobs, potentially encouraging further acts of communal violence.

Release Of Hardline Cleric

In a move that has alarmed both domestic and international observers, the Yunus government ordered the release of Jasim Uddin Rahmani, a notorious hardline Islamic cleric and leader of the Ansar Bangla Team, a terror outfit affiliated with Al-Qaeda. This decision, made within the first 50 days of the new administration, has raised serious questions about the government’s priorities and commitment to combating extremism.

Nobel Peace laureate Yunus who is running interim govt of Bangladesh, released Jashimuddin Rahmani, chief of Terror outfit Ansarullah Bangla Team (ABT)

Now this terrorist is seeking support from Pakistan to target India on Kashmir & Khalistan

Is this how Nobel Peace is defined? pic.twitter.com/YHm8vIxFPk

— Anshul Saxena (@AskAnshul) September 8, 2024

Upon his release, Rahmani wasted no time in making inflammatory statements. He called for “jihad” in Jammu and Kashmir and urged West Bengal’s Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to declare independence from India.

#Bangladesh has released Jashimuddin Rahmani, the chief of a terror group who plotted attacks on India.

His release and subsequent statements have drawn concerns on India's national security.

Know about this man@aajtak @ABPNews @AdityaRajKaul @AmarUjalaNews @amitmalviya… pic.twitter.com/rUxsD3OGCb

— Mr. Analyst (@MrAnalyst16) September 10, 2024

More alarmingly, Rahmani outlined a five-point plan aimed at “fracturing” India, which included:

1. Supporting the Khalistan terror
2. Calling for “jihad” for the “freedom” of Jammu and Kashmir
3. Urging Mamata Banerjee to declare West Bengal’s independence
4. Advocating for cutting off the Siliguri Corridor
5. Proposing to raise an Islamist flag on the Red Fort in Delhi

Rahmani, a known advocate of jihadist ideology and linked to Al-Qaeda, threatens India with retaliation from Bangladesh if provoked. He envisions a united “Tawhid” movement to challenge perceived threats and claims Bangladesh’s 18 crore Muslims will defend their country and Islam from external interference.

Cooling Relations With India

The interim government’s actions have not been limited to domestic affairs. Several decisions taken by the Yunus administration in Bangladesh appear to signal a cooling of relations with neighbouring India, a shift that could have significant implications for regional stability.

Key developments in this regard include:

• Lifting the ban on Jamaat-e-Islami Bangladesh, its student wing Islami Chhatra Shibir, and associated organizations. These groups are known for their anti-India rhetoric and have historically been viewed as threats to secular governance in Bangladesh.
• Banning the export of the prized Padma Hilsa fish to India during Durga Puja celebrations. This move breaks a long-standing tradition of goodwill between the two nations and is seen as a deliberate provocation.
• The government’s silence in the face of student groups spreading unfounded rumours that floods in Bangladesh were caused by India deliberately opening a dam. The failure to debunk these dangerous claims has allowed anti-India sentiment to fester.
• The mysterious sacking of two Bangladeshi diplomats stationed at the High Commission in India further strained diplomatic ties.

These actions, taken collectively, suggest a significant shift in Bangladesh’s foreign policy orientation, potentially jeopardizing the progress made in India-Bangladesh relations during Sheikh Hasina’s tenure.

On-The-Ground Reality

Advocate Rabindra Ghosh, president of the Bangladesh Minority Watch, speaking to India Today provided a sobering assessment of the situation facing minorities in the country. According to Ghosh, atrocities against Hindu minorities have been ongoing and have intensified since Sheikh Hasina left office.

Ghosh vehemently disputes claims by the Yunus government that reports of attacks on Hindus are exaggerated. He asserts that his organization has extensive documentation, including reports, pictures, and videos of incidents across the country. He also stated that over 100 atrocities have occurred in the Thakurgaon District alone since the change in government. Many Hindus have fled their homes due to safety concerns, with some having been killed. He stated that his organization has visited numerous incident sites, spoken with victims, and compiled comprehensive evidence of the ongoing persecution. Despite efforts to seek legal recourse, the courts have remained largely silent on these issues.

"Hindus are in great difficulty in Bangladesh," said Advocate Rabindra Ghosh

Watch #5Live: https://t.co/4Qu7b4vEW3#Bangladesh #BangladeshGovernment | @ShivAroor pic.twitter.com/l9hXBpeqzO

— IndiaToday (@IndiaToday) September 11, 2024

Ghosh emphasized that the Hindu community in Bangladesh, who consider themselves Bengali and fought for the country’s independence in 1971, are now facing unprecedented challenges to their safety and religious freedom.

Yunus’s Mask Has Come Off Completely

Once viewed as a potential beacon of progressive values and democratic reform, Yunus’s leadership is now being characterized by decisions that appear to empower hardline elements and strain relations with India. This shift has forced many of his supporters to reckon with the unintended consequences of their advocacy.

Security experts warn that the current situation could have far-reaching implications for regional stability. There are growing concerns that radical Islamist elements might attempt to create trouble in Indian states bordering Bangladesh, necessitating increased border security measures.

The coming months will be crucial in determining whether Bangladesh can maintain its progress towards a more inclusive and stable society or whether it will push towards religious extremism and see higher regional tensions.

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The post Bangladesh Interim Govt Head Muhammad Yunus’ Mask Falls Off, Anti-India & Anti-Hindu Agenda Stands Exposed appeared first on The Commune.