Amid growing concerns over violence against religious minorities in Bangladesh, ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has launched a sharp attack on the interim Yunus-led administration, accusing it of illegally seizing power and subjecting minorities to what she described as “unspeakable torture”.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel
In her Christmas address, Hasina extended greetings to citizens of Bangladesh and reflected on the country’s past, saying it had long been a “shining example of communal harmony”. She recalled that the country’s founding vision was rooted in secularism and coexistence.
“The father of the nation dreamed of a non-communal Bangladesh. The Bangladesh Awami League ensured peaceful and dignified lives for people of all religions to realise that dream,” she said.
However, Hasina expressed deep concern over the current political situation, alleging that the present ruling group had come to power illegally and was now undermining religious freedom.
“It is sad to say that the current ruling group that has seized illegal power is interfering with the freedom of people of all religions and communities to practice their own religion,” she stated.
Lynching Incidents Heighten Tensions
Her remarks come against the backdrop of heightened tension following the brutal lynching of Dipu Chandra Das, a factory worker in Mymensingh. Das was reportedly accused of blasphemy by a co-worker, after which he was beaten, his body hanged, and later set on fire. The incident sparked outrage and fear among minority communities across the country.
Referring to such cases, Hasina alleged that non-Muslims were being systematically targeted under the current regime. “Religious minorities are being subjected to unspeakable torture. We are seeing horrifying examples, including the burning of minorities,” she said.
She concluded her speech on a hopeful note, saying she believed the people of Bangladesh would not allow the situation to deteriorate further. Hasina added that the spirit of Christmas could help strengthen harmony between Christians and followers of other religions.
“May dawn break through the darkness,” she said.
Another Minority Death Reported
Meanwhile, violence continued to make headlines. Local media reported that another Hindu man, identified as Samrat, was beaten to death only days after the killing of Dipu Chandra Das. According to reports by The Daily Star, local residents claimed Samrat was the leader of a criminal gang known as ‘Samrat Bahini’, allegedly involved in extortion and other illegal activities.
Samrat had reportedly fled Bangladesh after Hasina’s ouster last year and had recently returned to his native village of Hosendanga in Kalimohor Union, where the fatal assault took place.
The back-to-back incidents have intensified debate over law and order and minority safety in Bangladesh, drawing both domestic and international attention as political tensions continue to rise.
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