Minorities cry in Bangladesh: Yunus’s action paused
No doubt, the recent mob lynching in Bangladesh ranks among the most horrific incidents in recent memory, yet such violence appears to be becoming disturbingly frequent. Dipu Chandra Das, a 30-year-old garment factory worker from Mymensingh district, was brutally assaulted, beaten, and set on fire on the night of 18 December after being falsely accused of blasphemy. Shockingly, he was surrounded by nearly 50 people, many of whom filmed the violence, videos of which later surfaced on the internet and sparked widespread outrage.
Looking back over the past year, Bangladesh has witnessed numerous incidents of mob violence. A significant number of victims reportedly belong to minority communities, particularly Hindus, raising serious concerns about minority safety in the country. What remains unclear is whether these incidents stem primarily from deep-rooted communal hatred, failures of the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus, or a combination of both.
There are several factors that may have contributed to the targeting of Hindu minorities. The continued unrest following the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and the banning of Awami League activities has created a volatile political environment. At the same time, developments in India, such as the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) and the Bharatiya Janata Party’s push to identify and deport undocumented immigrants, have also influenced perceptions across the border. Reports suggest that many undocumented migrants are either Bangladeshi nationals or Rohingya from Myanmar. While the policy aims to regulate illegal immigration, it has reportedly been perceived in Bangladesh by some as an act of mistreatment, particularly against Muslims who had lived in India for years. This perception may have further fuelled resentment, though interpretations vary widely.
Dipu Chandra Das, a member of the Hindu community, was not an isolated victim. Following the death of youth leader Sharif Osman Hadi, violent unrest erupted in several parts of the country. Reports indicate that the house of a BNP leader was set on fire while he and his two daughters were trapped inside. Media establishments were vandalised, and political supporters of Sheikh Hasina allegedly faced targeted attacks. These incidents highlight a growing climate of intolerance where dissenting voices are increasingly viewed as enemies.
As a Nobel Laureate and head of the interim administration, Muhammad Yunus’s primary responsibility is to ensure peace and conduct free and fair elections. However, concerns have been raised over delays in the electoral process, with elections now scheduled for 2026. Such postponements risk deepening public resentment rather than resolving political uncertainty. The decision to ban opposition parties and pursue severe legal action against former leaders has further intensified political polarisation.
Beyond political instability, Bangladesh is also grappling with economic challenges. Unemployment remains a pressing issue, with thousands of educated youths struggling to find jobs that match their qualifications.
According to a report by the Bangladesh Awami League, inflation stood at 8.36% in September 2025, offering little relief to citizens already burdened by rising living costs. The report also highlights severe weaknesses in the banking sector, with non-performing loans reportedly reaching 20.2% of total loans. These structural problems, marked by corruption, political interference, and weak accountability, have eroded public confidence and placed ordinary depositors at risk.
As Bangladesh struggles with economic instability, governance challenges, and concerns over press freedom and inclusive growth, silence or inaction from the interim leadership raises alarm. The country stands at a critical juncture. Without timely intervention and political stability, Bangladesh risks slipping further into crisis, an outcome that would have devastating consequences for its people.
