71 Blasphemy-Linked Attacks on Hindus Reported Across Bangladesh in Six Months

At least 71 incidents linked to blasphemy allegations against Hindu minorities were recorded across Bangladesh between June and December 2025, according to a report released by the Human Rights Congress for Bangladesh Minorities. The report documents cases from more than 30 districts and flags what it describes as a pattern of systemic targeting rather than isolated episodes.

The findings come amid growing concern in India over continued violence against minorities in Bangladesh. Indian authorities have recently described the situation as “unremitting hostility” towards minority communities under the country’s interim administration.

According to the report, incidents were recorded across districts including Rangpur, Chandpur, Chattogram, Dinajpur, Lalmonirhat, Sunamganj, Khulna, Comilla, Gazipur, Tangail and Sylhet. Rights observers cited in the document said the geographical spread and striking similarities in allegations point to a recurring modus operandi involving religious accusations, mob mobilisation and coercive state action.

Arrests, mob violence and collective punishment

The report states that blasphemy allegations frequently triggered police arrests, mob attacks and vandalism of Hindu neighbourhoods. On June 19, 2025, a 22-year-old Hindu man was arrested in Barisal following allegations of insulting Islam. Days later, unrest was reported in Chandpur over similar accusations against another Hindu youth.

One of the most violent incidents occurred on July 27 in Rangpur district, where the arrest of a 17-year-old Hindu boy was followed by the vandalisation of at least 22 Hindu homes. Rights groups said such cases show how accusations often escalate beyond individuals and lead to collective punishment of entire communities.

Overall, the report lists 71 separate incidents involving police cases, arrests, mob beatings, destruction of property, suspensions from educational institutions and deaths linked to mob violence. More than 90% of the accused were Hindus, including minors aged between 15 and 17 years.

Social media accusations and cyber cases

A significant number of cases stemmed from alleged Facebook posts or online activity, many of which were disputed or linked to hacked accounts, the report said. In several instances, arrests were made under mob pressure before any forensic verification of the allegations.

Universities and colleges emerged as flashpoints, with multiple Hindu students facing suspension, expulsion or police remand under Bangladesh’s Cyber Security Act following accusations of insulting religious sentiments. The report raised concerns that violence and intimidation often continued even after police custody, indicating failures in state protection.

Fatal incidents raise alarm

The report also highlights fatal attacks linked to blasphemy allegations. On December 18, 2025, Dipu Chandra Das, a 30-year-old Hindu man, was lynched and his body set on fire by a mob in Mymensingh district. Earlier incidents cited include severe assaults on minors, some allegedly occurring in the presence of law enforcement personnel, raising questions over accountability.

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

India raises concerns

The report’s findings align with concerns raised by India. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal recently said New Delhi was deeply disturbed by continued violence against minorities in Bangladesh and cited around 2,900 incidents during the tenure of the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus.

India has rejected what it called a “false narrative” surrounding such attacks and urged Bangladeshi authorities to ensure accountability and protection for minority communities amid ongoing political unrest in the country.