India Raises Alarm Over Widespread Violence Against Hindus in Bangladesh and Pakistan

In a significant development highlighting South Asia’s growing human rights concerns, the Indian government has formally raised thousands of cases of religious violence against Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh and Pakistan. Minister of State for External Affairs, Kirti Vardhan Singh, informed the Rajya Sabha that since 2021, India has flagged 3,582 cases of such violence in Bangladesh and 334 in Pakistan, bringing renewed attention to the deteriorating state of minority rights in the region.

3,582 incidents of violence against Hindus and other minorities have been reported since 2021 | NDTV

Bangladesh: Violence Surges Amid Political Upheaval

The staggering number of incidents reported from Bangladesh comes against the backdrop of intense political turmoil. Following the ousting of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in August 2024, the nation has descended into lawlessness and communal unrest. Within just one year of her removal, 637 lynching cases were reported across the country. Civil unrest, weak governance under the interim regime, and unchecked majoritarian violence have emboldened extremist groups to target minority communities, particularly Hindus, with near impunity.

The Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council, one of the country’s prominent minority rights bodies, reported over 2,000 incidents of communal violence between August and December 2024 alone. These attacks included at least 23 murders, multiple cases of sexual violence, and widespread arson and looting of Hindu properties and temples. Despite international concern, the new administration led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus has been largely ineffective in restoring order or safeguarding minority rights.

Pakistan: A Pattern of Targeted Persecution

While Bangladesh’s situation has worsened more recently, the persecution of Hindus in Pakistan has followed a long-standing and systematic pattern. India has documented 334 incidents in Pakistan since 2021, but rights groups warn that the actual number is likely much higher. The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP), in its 2024 report titled “Under Siege: Freedom of Religion or Belief”, revealed alarming trends of forced conversions, child abductions, and mob attacks—particularly in Sindh province, where most of Pakistan’s Hindu population resides.

One chilling case that drew international outrage involved the abduction and forced conversion of four Hindu children in Sindh, reinforcing the perception that state institutions either remain complicit or indifferent to such crimes. Reports also suggest that growing numbers of Pakistani Hindus are migrating to India, fleeing religious intolerance, social discrimination, and economic marginalization. This exodus continues despite diplomatic pressure and appeals at international forums.

India’s Multilateral and Bilateral Diplomacy

India’s stance on these issues has not been limited to bilateral conversations. The government has taken its concerns to global platforms such as the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva, urging Pakistan and Bangladesh to fulfill their constitutional promises of minority protection. In his address to Parliament, Minister Singh underscored India’s commitment to defending the rights of religious minorities—not only through direct engagement with neighboring governments but also through sustained international advocacy.

In the case of Bangladesh, India has reportedly engaged in repeated diplomatic outreach to express its concerns and urge Dhaka to take firm action against radical elements. However, the deteriorating internal political climate in both countries has often rendered these efforts fruitless.

A Regional Crisis Demanding Global Attention

The grim data presented by India reveals not just isolated cases of bigotry, but a larger regional pattern of religious persecution, state neglect, and rising extremism. While Pakistan’s institutionalized discrimination against minorities has long been documented, the recent explosion of violence in Bangladesh—particularly following political destabilization—suggests that minority safety can no longer be taken for granted even in historically secular societies.

Minority watchdogs, civil society groups, and human rights organizations have urged the global community to hold these governments accountable. Without decisive action and sustained international pressure, the cycle of violence, displacement, and cultural erosion may intensify further in South Asia.

Conclusion: India’s Role as a Moral and Regional Voice

India’s disclosures before Parliament serve not only as a diplomatic move but also as a moral stand against religious persecution in its neighborhood. By bringing these issues to light at international platforms, New Delhi reaffirms its position as a regional power committed to democratic values and human rights.

However, the solution lies not only in exposure but also in persistent engagement, humanitarian outreach, and collaborative frameworks to prevent future atrocities. The rising tide of intolerance in South Asia calls for a collective regional awakening—before irreparable damage is done to its multicultural fabric.

(Sources: OpIndia, NDTV, Economic Times)