Jatiya Hindu Mohajote formed human chain protesting nationwide violence against minorities

Leaders and activists of the Bangladesh Jatiya Hindu Mohajote formed a human chain and held a protest rally in the capital on Friday (March 13), condemning what they described as a series of violent attacks on religious minorities across the country.

The programme was organised by the organisation’s central executive committee in front of the National Press Club.

Speakers at the rally alleged that incidents of violence against minority communities—including killings, extortion, attacks on temples, rape and land grabbing—have increased significantly before and after the 2026 13th national parliamentary election.

They claimed that despite repeated incidents such as arson, looting and vandalism of temples, many perpetrators remain beyond the reach of the law.

Citing recent cases, the speakers said rice trader Sushen Chandra Sarkar was hacked to death at his business establishment in Trishal of Mymensingh on February 9. Two days later, tea worker Shuvo Kar was found murdered with his hands and feet tied at a tea garden in Kamalganj of Moulvibazar. On February 12, Sunil Banshfor was stabbed to death in Bogura city for refusing to pay an extortion demand of Tk 500, while Sujon Kumar Muhuri was reportedly hacked to death in Gaibandha Sadar on February 13.

They also alleged that a Hindu woman was abducted and gang-raped on February 22 while returning home after attending a religious event in Tazumuddin upazila of Bhola.

According to the speakers, several other incidents—including killings, attempted rape, arson and temple attacks—have occurred in different districts this month. Among them were the killing of Chayan Rajbhor in Sariakandi of Bogura on March 6 over a land dispute, and the fatal stabbing of Ganesh Pal in Cox’s Bazar city on March 7 after he reportedly refused to pay extortion money. On the same day, a cocktail explosion during a puja at a temple in South Thakurpara area of Cumilla city left the priest and several devotees injured.

They alleged that such incidents are attempts to undermine communal harmony and criticised what they described as a lack of effective administrative action, which they said allows offenders to repeatedly commit similar crimes.

The leaders demanded immediate investigation into the incidents, arrest of those responsible and exemplary punishment. They also called for rehabilitation and financial assistance for affected families at government expense, and urged authorities to ensure religious freedom and security for all citizens.

Among those present at the programme were the organisation’s Senior Vice-President Mithu Ranjan Deb, Joint General Secretary Uttam Kumar Das, Legal Affairs Secretary Uday Kumar Basak.