Sheikh Hasina Alleges Minority Violence in Bangladesh from India

Former Prime Minister and Awami League president Sheikh Hasina issued a Durga Puja message from India, alleging a pattern of violence against religious minorities in Bangladesh since August 5, 2024. Hasina accused the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus of allowing impunity for attackers and criticized the handling of murder cases involving Dipu Chandra Das and Ganapati Chakraborty. She cited the continued detention of religious leader Chinmoy Prabhu as evidence of systemic unfairness.

In a simultaneous diplomatic move, the Government of India expressed expectations that the Bangladesh government address security concerns raised by minority organizations ahead of the festival. This pressure coincided with the inaugural BIMSTEC Home Ministers’ Meeting in New Delhi, where member states adopted the Delhi Declaration to strengthen regional security cooperation.