The Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council, the largest minority group in the country, has raised concerns over the escalating violence against religious and ethnic minorities. In a press release issued ahead of UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres’ visit, the group revealed that 92 attacks took place in January and February 2025 alone.
Among these incidents were:
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- 11 murders
- 3 rapes
- 25 attacks on temples
- 1 incident of religious insult
- 6 attacks on indigenous people
- 38 cases of vandalism, looting, and attacks on homes and businesses
- 2 dismissals from jobs
- 6 other violent incidents
Over 2,000 Attacks in Late 2024
The minority group also highlighted that between August and December 2024, 2,184 attacks targeting minorities occurred, indicating a consistent pattern of violence.
A Unity Council delegation recently visited Nayarhat Bazar, Ashulia, Savar, Dhaka, where gold trader Dilip Das was brutally murdered on March 9. The group extended condolences to his family and demanded swift justice for the perpetrators.
Rising Border Crossings by Bangladeshis into India
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) of India reported that 2,601 Bangladeshi citizens were apprehended while attempting to illegally enter Indian territory over the past 13 months.
According to Union Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai, the Border Security Force (BSF) intercepted:
- 176 intruders in January 2025
- 253 in December 2024
- 310 in November
- 331 in October
- 300 in September
- 214 in August
- 267 in July
- 247 in June
These figures reflect fluctuations in illegal crossings, highlighting ongoing security challenges at the India-Bangladesh border.
Calls for Immediate Action
The Unity Council urged authorities to address the violence against minorities, stressing the need for swift legal action against perpetrators. As UN Secretary-General Guterres prepares to visit Bangladesh, minority groups are seeking international attention to ensure protection and justice.
