The unrest began on December 3, 2024, following a Facebook post by Akash Das, a resident of Sunamganj district. Although Das deleted the post within minutes, screenshots quickly went viral, escalating tensions in the area.
Enraged locals attacked the Loknath Temple and vandalised homes and shops belonging to members of the Hindu community. To ensure Das’ safety, police detained him and transferred him to the Sadar Police Station.
Bangladesh police arrested four individuals identified as:
In addition, a case has been filed against 12 named individuals and 150-170 unidentified persons. Authorities are conducting a detailed investigation to identify others involved.
The violence was brought under control through the intervention of:
This incident, along with the arrest of Hindu monk Chinmoy Krishna Das, has further strained bilateral relations between India and Bangladesh. India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, during his recent visit to Dhaka, expressed concerns about attacks on minorities.
Bangladesh acknowledged 88 incidents of communal violence against minorities, including vandalism, arson, and desecration of temples, between August 5 and October 22. Authorities have registered 88 cases and arrested 70 people involved in such crimes.
The Centre for Democracy, Pluralism and Human Rights (CDPHR) reported:
These incidents underscore the growing need for communal harmony and strict enforcement of the law to protect minority communities.
