Bangladesh saw 71 blasphemy-linked attacks on Hindus in 6 months: Report

At least 71 incidents linked to blasphemy allegations targeting Hindu minorities were reported across Bangladesh between June and December 2025, according to a report by the Human Rights Congress for Bangladesh Minorities (HRCBM).

The findings have heightened concern, including in India, over what officials describe as sustained hostility towards religious minorities in the neighbouring country.

Incidents reported across 30 districts

The report documents cases from more than 30 districts, including Rangpur, Chandpur, Chattogram, Dinajpur, Lalmonirhat, Sunamganj, Khulna, Comilla, Gazipur, Tangail and Sylhet. Rights groups cited in the study said the wide geographical spread and recurring nature of the incidents point to a systemic vulnerability of minorities to religiously framed accusations rather than isolated episodes.

According to HRCBM, blasphemy allegations frequently escalated into police action, mob violence and collective punishment of Hindu communities. In many cases, violence extended beyond the accused individual, with entire neighbourhoods targeted.

On June 19, 2025, a 22-year-old man was arrested in Barisal over alleged derogatory remarks, while similar allegations triggered unrest in Chandpur days later. One of the most severe incidents occurred on July 27 in Betgari Union, Rangpur, where the arrest of a 17-year-old boy was followed by the vandalisation of at least 22 Hindu homes.

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Scale and impact of the violence

Overall, the report records 71 incidents involving police arrests and FIRs, mob assaults, damage to homes and temples, expulsions and suspensions from educational institutions, and deaths linked to mob violence. More than 90 percent of those named in the cases were Hindus, including minors aged between 15 and 17.

Social media as a flashpoint

HRCBM found that many allegations stemmed from disputed or allegedly fabricated social media posts, particularly on Facebook. In several cases, the posts were traced to hacked accounts or could not be forensically verified. Rights groups said arrests were often carried out under mob pressure, sometimes even before preliminary investigations were completed.

A significant number of cases were registered under Bangladesh’s Cyber Security Act, with students among the most affected. Universities and colleges emerged as flashpoints, with students facing suspension, expulsion or police remand following allegations of insulting religious sentiments.

The report also noted instances where violence continued even after the accused were taken into police custody, raising questions over the adequacy of state protection.

Fatal attacks raise alarm

The report records multiple deaths linked to blasphemy-related violence. On December 18, 2025, a 30-year-old Hindu man was beaten to death and his body set on fire by a mob in Mymensingh following allegations of blasphemy.

Earlier cases cited in the report include the assault of a minor in Khulna, allegedly in the presence of security personnel, prompting serious concerns about law enforcement accountability.

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A pattern, not isolated incidents

Human rights observers quoted in the report said the recurring sequence — online accusations, swift arrests, mob mobilisation and attacks on Hindu localities — suggests blasphemy allegations are increasingly being used as a tool for intimidation, persecution and social exclusion.

The report concludes that minors and economically vulnerable individuals are disproportionately affected and warns that without stronger safeguards and accountability mechanisms, such accusations will continue to endanger minority communities in Bangladesh.

India flags concern

The findings align with concerns recently raised by India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), which said it was deeply disturbed by incidents of violence against minorities in Bangladesh. The MEA has described the situation as one of “unremitting hostility” and has called for accountability and justice for victims.

The incidents have unfolded amid political unrest in Bangladesh, placing renewed scrutiny on the interim administration’s handling of law and order and minority protection.