Summary
- A three-day exhibition titled “Gross Human Rights Violations in Bangladesh” was held at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) session in Geneva
- The event highlighted ongoing persecution of minorities, especially Hindus, under Bangladesh’s interim government led by Muhammad Yunus.
- Diplomats and human rights experts attending the exhibition expressed concern that Bangladesh may be heading toward a failed state
Dhaka, July 10: Amidst reported incidents of Hindu persecution in Bangladesh, an international spotlight was cast on the issue during a recent session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in Geneva.
A three-day exhibition titled “Gross Human Rights Violations in Bangladesh” showcased posters and reports of ongoing repression under the interim government.
The exhibition was organised by the International Forum for Secular Bangladesh, Bangladesh Minority Alliance (Switzerland Chapter), and the Tumuku Development and Cultural Union.
Attendees, including diplomats and human rights observers, expressed concern over the escalating crisis in Bangladesh. Many warned that the Yunus-led administration is steering the country towards instability, suggesting that Bangladesh is on the brink of becoming a “failed state” due to what they described as increasingly extremist governance.
Meanwhile, Awami League blamed the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and accused the Party of launching ‘horrific’ attacks on a Hindu family. The Awami League also raised concerns over unabated attacks on Hindu minorities under the Mohammad Yunus-led interim Government.
The Awami League held BNP responsible over attack on a Hindu family in Thakurgaon district and issued a strong condemnation of the ongoing intimidation and threats faced by the country’s minority communities.
According to statements issued by the Awami League, BNP leader Shahidul Islam, along with a group of armed supporters, allegedly stormed the residence of Bijoy Chandra Roy, a member of the Hindu community, last Saturday in Dholarhat Union under Ruhia Thana. The group reportedly carried out violent acts including the demolition of a local Mansa temple, destruction of idols, vandalism of homes, and setting fires—while threatening the local Hindu population with expulsion if they failed to leave the country.
In a post on social media platform X, the Awami League described the attack as “horrific,” and questioned whether such brutality reflects the BNP’s interpretation of democratic values. “Is ethnic cleansing and violent oppression the BNP’s version of democracy?” the party asked in its statement.
The Awami League also voiced concerns over what it called a pattern of rising violence and suppression of minorities, which it attributes to the interim government led by Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus, installed following the ousting of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s administration.
In a separate statement, the party condemned what it termed as ongoing “barbaric attacks” on minority communities, highlighting acts such as arson, looting, destruction of places of worship, and indiscriminate killings, which the party equated to “genocide.” It further alleged that these atrocities, initially carried out under the protection of the interim regime, are now being directly perpetrated by state actors.
The party also referenced several recent incidents as part of this worrying trend. Last month, local authorities demolished the Durga temple in Dhaka’s Khilkhet area. In another shocking case, a Hindu woman in Cumilla district was reportedly gang-raped in her home by individuals linked to the BNP, who also recorded and circulated the assault. (Edited)
