Bangladesh urged to curb attacks on minorities amid rising communal tensions

A leading minority rights organization in Bangladesh has raised serious concerns over a spate of communal violence, intimidation and extortion incidents across the country, particularly those affecting the Hindu minority community.

The Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council, a human rights organization that advocates against religious discrimination, condemned ongoing threats by what it described as a "vested group" seeking to demolish the Radha-Gobinda Temple in Gaibandha district. The organisation warned that such developments could have far-reaching consequences for communal harmony in Bangladesh.

The concerns were discussed during a meeting of the council's central committee held in Dhaka on 13 June, where members called on the Bangladesh government to take immediate and effective measures to halt incidents targeting minority communities.

In a statement issued after the meeting, the council urged the government, administrative authorities, civil society representatives and political leaders at both local and national levels to act swiftly to preserve communal peace and social harmony.

“The meeting called upon the government, the administration, civil society, and political leaders at both local and national levels to take prompt and appropriate initiatives to preserve communal peace and harmony. The meeting further demanded that those responsible for inciting communal hatred and provocation be brought to justice and awarded exemplary punishment,” the organization said.

The appeal comes amid controversy surrounding the suspension of a project that was expected to feature what local media described as the world's largest statue of Lord Ram. According to reports, Bangladesh authorities ordered a halt to construction at the Sri Sri Radha Govinda and Kali Temple in Palashbari upazila of Gaibandha district.

Temple adviser Shyamal Kumar Mahant announced the suspension during a press conference held at the temple auditorium on June 12.

The decision has drawn criticism from several quarters, with opponents of the move alleging that authorities acted under pressure from Islamist groups opposed to the project.

The issue also attracted the attention of exiled Bangladeshi author and human rights activist Taslima Nasreen, who strongly criticized the threats and hostile rhetoric surrounding the temple project.

In a post on social media platform X, Nasreen questioned why a Hindu place of worship was facing opposition in a country where thousands of mosques already exist and continue to be built.

“There are several hundred thousand mosques in Bangladesh, and new mosques continue to be built across the country. So why is there so much opposition to the construction of a single Ram temple or a statue of Lord Rama? If religious freedom is truly for everyone, then it should apply equally to minorities, not only to the majority,” she wrote.

Expressing concern over reports of threats linked to the project, Nasreen said no individual or group had the right to target or destroy another community's place of worship.

“The threats, incitement, and hateful rhetoric directed against the Ram temple currently under construction in Palashbari, Gaibandha, are deeply concerning. No individual or group acquires the right to demolish another community’s place of worship simply because they dislike it. In a state governed by the rule of law, religious disagreements are not resolved through violence or barbarism,” she added.

The developments have renewed debate over minority rights and religious freedom in Bangladesh, with rights groups urging authorities to ensure the protection of all communities and prevent further escalation of tensions.