Deterioration of Religious Freedom in Bangladesh After Sheikh Hasina’s Removal -200 Minorities Killed, Government Assurances Unfulfilled U.S. Government Agency -IRFA United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) Annual Report 2025

Deterioration of Religious Freedom in Bangladesh After Sheikh Hasina’s Removal -200 Minorities Killed, Government Assurances Unfulfilled U.S. Government Agency -IRFA United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) Annual Report 2025

Washington, March 28, 2025 – The state of religious freedom in Bangladesh has worsened, particularly due to the ongoing attacks on minority communities. Recently, in a violent crackdown, nearly 200 people have been killed, which has further complicated the country’s political instability.

Increase in Attacks on Minority Communities:

After the removal of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Hindu community leaders have claimed that attacks on their temples and homes have increased. These attacks include vandalism, arson, and mob violence. At the same time, some baseless and unsupported information has spread on social media, which is believed to be an attempt to discredit interim government head Mohammad Yunus.

According to the report, hundreds of Hindus have been killed after Sheikh Hasina’s resignation. However, analysts believe these killings were not religiously motivated, but rather the result of political violence. Additionally, the Ahmadiyya Muslim community has also reported physical assaults and property destruction.

Government’s Promises and Controversial Remarks:

In response to the violence, the interim government has pledged to protect minorities. However, despite these assurances, the pressure on minorities has continued to rise.

Earlier, two judges of the Bangladesh High Court supported the imposition of harsh punishment for blasphemy, including the death penalty. Meanwhile, a controversial remark by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina sparked criticism when she claimed there was a conspiracy to establish a "Christian state" in certain regions of Bangladesh and Myanmar.

Arrests and Protests:

In November, Hindu priest Chinmoy Krishna Das was arrested on charges of insulting the national flag and committing treason. Following this incident, his supporters clashed with the police, resulting in the death of a Muslim lawyer. In the same month, nearly 30,000 Hindus protested for the protection of their community.

Rohingya Crisis Deepens:

Meanwhile, Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh are facing severe threats. Reports of mob violence and the destruction of religious materials have emerged from the refugee camps in Cox’s Bazar.

Religious violence, political instability, and the Rohingya crisis in Bangladesh have raised deep concerns. While the government has assured the protection of minorities, violence and discrimination continue to persist.