The South Asia Forum for Freedom of Religion or Belief (SAFFoRB) expresses grave and urgent concern over the ongoing and escalating violence, intimidation, and targeted attacks against religious and belief minorities in Bangladesh as the nation approaches its Thirteenth National Parliamentary Election scheduled for 12 February 2026.

In recent weeks and months, verified reporting by established national and international news platforms has documented a disturbing surge in communal violence, mob attacks, and brutal killings involving members of minority communities. Notably, a Hindu garment worker, Dipu Chandra Das, was beaten to death by a mob, his body tied to a tree and set on fire in Mymensingh’s Bhaluka area after allegations of blasphemy spread within his workplace. The video of this incident sparked national and international outrage and heightened fear among minorities about mob justice and the erosion of rule of law.

Multiple reports highlight that this murder forms part of a broader pattern of violence in recent months. According to monitoring by independent groups, there have been at least 15 targeted murders of Hindu minority individuals in a 45-day period, with victims including men of working age and community members engaged in daily livelihoods, contributing to an atmosphere of heightened insecurity.

These and other incidents ranging from arson attacks and looting to mob aggression and threats have been reported across diverse districts, creating a widening climate of fear and insecurity in the runup to the elections. Civil society actors, women’s rights groups, and independent observers have also raised alarms over rising intimidation faced by women, youth, journalists and activists, including those from religious and ethnic minority backgrounds.

SAFFoRB reiterates that violence or threats targeting individuals or communities on the basis of religion or belief constitute a serious violation of international human rights law, affecting rights to freedom of religion or belief, security of person, equality before the law, and participation in public affairs. The use of allegations of blasphemy or communal prejudice to justify violence is deeply troubling and has a chilling effect on democratic participation and social cohesion.

Reports indicate that many members of minority communities are afraid to campaign, assemble, conduct business, or even travel to polling centres safely. When fear determines whether individuals can exercise their right to vote or stand for office, the credibility and legitimacy of the electoral process are fundamentally undermined.

SAFFoRB Urgently Calls On:

• The Government of Bangladesh and the Election Commission to take immediate, visible, and impartial action to prevent further violence and intimidation, to ensure accountability for all reported incidents, and to protect religious and belief minorities at every stage of the electoral period.
• Law enforcement and security agencies to proactively safeguard vulnerable communities, places of worship, human rights defenders, journalists, candidates, and voters, responding swiftly to threats or acts of violence without discrimination or political interference.
• Political parties and candidates to unequivocally reject hate speech, incitement, and the instrumentalisation of religion for political ends, and to commit publicly to peaceful, inclusive, and rights-respecting campaigning.
• The United Nations, particularly the UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion or Belief, the Special Rapporteur on Minority Issues, and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, to closely monitor developments, engage with national authorities, and publicly raise concerns about violence affecting minorities.
• International election observation missions and human rights organisations to prioritise the situation of religious and belief minorities, to incorporate these concerns into their observation mandates, and to publicly report on violations that impede inclusive participation or safety.

SAFFoRB stresses that free, fair, and credible elections cannot take place in an environment of fear, coercion, or discrimination. The legitimacy of Bangladesh’s democratic process depends not only on polling day procedures but on the effective protection of fundamental rights, particularly freedom of religion or belief throughout the entire electoral cycle.

SAFFoRB stands in solidarity with all religious and belief minorities in Bangladesh, and with civil society actors working for peaceful, inclusive, and rights respecting elections. We will continue to monitor developments closely and engage with national and international stakeholders to uphold human dignity and democratic participation.

The South Asia Forum for Freedom of Religion or Belief (SAFFoRB) expresses its deep alarm and grave concern over the recent surge in mob violence, targeted attacks and intimidation against religious minorities in Bangladesh during the past week. Reports from national and international media have documented brutal acts of violence, including the lynching and killing of a Hindu man in Mymensingh following allegations linked to blasphemy, as well as widespread threats, fear and insecurity affecting minority communities. These acts represent an egregious violation of the right to life, freedom of religion or belief and the most basic principles of human dignity and rule of law.

SAFFoRB is particularly concerned about the recurring pattern in which allegations related to religion are weaponised to incite mob violence, resulting in the collective punishment of individuals and communities without due process. Such incidents not only terrorize minority populations, especially Hindus, Christians, Buddhists, and indigenous religious communities, but also reinforce a climate of impunity in which perpetrators of violence act without fear of consequences. Targeting individuals on the basis of their religious identity or belief, whether real or perceived, constitutes a clear breach of Bangladesh’s constitutional guarantees and its international human rights obligations.

The recent violence has been accompanied by alarming threats and attacks on independent media institutions, including The Daily Star and Prothom Alo, as well as direct threats against journalists and editors who have reported on violence against minorities. SAFFoRB underscores that attacks on the media further endanger minorities by silencing documentation, scrutiny, and public accountability. When journalists are intimidated for reporting on abuses, minority victims are rendered even more vulnerable, and cycles of violence are allowed to persist unchecked.

SAFFoRB notes that these incidents are not isolated but part of a broader and deeply troubling trend of recurring violence, intimidation and discrimination against religious minorities in Bangladesh. Community leaders and civil society organisations have repeatedly warned that failures to prevent violence, ensure timely protection and deliver justice contribute to the normalisation of mob action and erode trust in state institutions. Arrests made after public outrage, while necessary, are insufficient without transparent, independent investigations and the effective prosecution of all those responsible, including those who incite or enable violence.

We therefore call upon the Government of Bangladesh to take immediate and concrete measures to protect religious minorities, prevent mob violence, and uphold the rule of law. This includes ensuring swift and impartial investigations into all recent incidents, holding perpetrators and instigators fully accountable, providing protection and redress to affected communities, and unequivocally rejecting narratives that justify violence in the name of religion. SAFFoRB also urges the authorities to safeguard freedom of expression and ensure the protection of journalists and human rights defenders who play a critical role in exposing abuses against minorities.

SAFFoRB is concerned about political violence, including the killing of political activists and various forms of mob violence by fringe elements. Violence cannot be justified for any reason. SAFFoRB is also concerned that election time should not lead to violence against minorities who feel insecure about participating in a democratic process. We urge the interim government to take action against all those who instigate violence.

SAFFoRB further calls on international human rights mechanisms, including the UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion or Belief and other relevant mandate holders, to closely monitor the situation in Bangladesh and to engage with the government to ensure compliance with international human rights standards. The protection of religious minorities and the prevention of mob violence are not merely domestic concerns; they are fundamental obligations under international law.

SAFFoRB stands in solidarity with the victims, their families and all minority communities living in fear due to these recent events. We reaffirm that no society can claim peace, stability, or democracy while religious minorities live under constant threat of violence and while justice remains uncertain. The safety, dignity and equal rights of all people, regardless of religion or belief, must be urgently and unequivocally upheld in Bangladesh.

South Asia Forum for Freedom of Religion or Belief (SAFFoRB) expresses our most profound shock, grief, and outrage at the brutal killing of youngsters in Kathmandu. We condemn the inhumane act by the security forces. Still, many young people are missing.

At this moment of grief, we stand in solidarity with the families of the victims and with all young people of Nepal. Their pain must not be forgotten; their voices must not be silenced. Justice delayed is justice denied.

At the same time, we are concerned about incidents of mob violence and the vandalism of public property. We call upon all to refrain from violence and to engage in peaceful and constructive expression of dissent.

We take note of the resignation of the Prime Minister of Nepal, which responds to one of the key demands of the protesters. The grievances raised by Gene Z concerning corruption, nepotism, and economic stagnation are genuine and longstanding issues in Nepali society. These must be addressed with sincerity and urgency by the political leadership.

We call upon the President of Nepal and the Army to bring the situation under control through dialogue with all stakeholders and to ensure that the crisis does not derail the democratic process. Nepal’s path forward must be rooted in strengthening democracy, not weakening it.

SAFFoRB stands firmly with the young people of Gen Z who gathered in Kathmandu to raise their voices for justice, accountability, and a sustainable future. We urge policymakers, institutions, and all sections of society to work together for peace, inclusivity, and democratic renewal in Nepal.

We are deeply saddened by the devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck central Myanmar on March 28, 2025. This disaster has resulted in significant loss of life, injuries, and widespread destruction.

The earthquake has led to a profound humanitarian crisis, exacerbating the country’s ongoing civil conflict and governance challenges. The tremor was felt elsewhere, including Thailand and south-west China. Estimates vary, with fatalities ranging from 3,600 to 5,300 and injuries exceeding 7,000. Additionally, hundreds remain missing. The New Humanitarian

Over 17 million people in 57 townships have been affected, and many have lost their homes and access to essential services.

The earthquake aggravated the condition of religious minorities in Myanmar. There are reports that 10,000 religious buildings have been destroyed, including 5,000 stupas, 3,800 monasteries, 180 nunneries, 130 mosques, 50 Churches, 26 Hindu temples and one Chinese temple. The earthquakes wiped out centuries of religious heritage in Myanmar.

We urge the Myanmar Junta to restore democracy so that the elected government can work to rebuild Myanmar from the destruction. The Junta should not use the present situation to continue the civil war in Myanmar. We urge the government to treat all religious minorities equally in relief rehabilitation. It should also allow international organisations to do rehabilitation work in remote parts of Myanmar.

Our hearts are with the people of Myanmar and in this time of unimaginable loss and hardship. The recent earthquake has left a trail of devastation, and many are suffering as they try to rebuild their lives in the face of this tragedy.

The South Asia Forum for Freedom of Religion or Belief (SAFFoRB) stands in solidarity with the families affected and the communities. In times like these, the resilience of the human spirit shines through as neighbours and strangers join hands to rebuild and heal.

As we think of Myanmar, we call on the global community to offer aid, resources, and support to those who need it most. To those who have lost loved ones, homes, and so much more, please know that you are not alone. We are with you, and together, we will overcome this with deepest sympathy and unwavering support.

South Asia Forum for Freedom of Religion or Belief (SAFFoRB) strongly condemns the ongoing and escalating persecution of the Ahmadiyya Muslim community in Pakistan, as evidenced by the recent mass arrests, mosque demolitions, and systemic targeting of Ahmadi Muslims solely for practising their faith. The recent events in Daska, Sargodha and Gujranwala are deeply alarming, marking a dangerous intensification of religious persecution that violates fundamental human rights and freedoms.

On February 28, 2025, at least 22 Ahmadiyya Muslims, including minors were arrested in Daska, Punjab, for merely gathering for Friday prayers. Instead of protecting them from an extremist mob, law enforcement officials, acting under pressure, detained these peaceful worshippers and registered charges under discriminatory laws. Similar incidents occurred in Sargodha, where 23 Ahmadi Muslims were booked for offering prayers and in Gujranwala, where a historic mosque’s minarets were demolished. These actions reflect a disturbing pattern of state-backed repression, influenced by extremist groups and a blatant disregard for religious freedom.

The targeting of religious minorities, including the Ahmadiyya community is a direct violation of Pakistan’s constitutional guarantees of religious freedom as well as international human rights treaties, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. The government’s failure to protect its Ahmadi citizens, with increasing mob violence, mass arrests and destruction of places of worship, demands urgent international attention and intervention.

We call on the Government of Pakistan to:

• Immediately release all detained Ahmadi Muslims and drop unjust charges against them.
• Ensure the protection of Ahmadi places of worship from destruction and desecration.
• Uphold its international human rights commitments and ensure all its citizens’ safety, dignity and freedom, regardless of faith.

The international community must not remain silent in the face of such blatant persecution. We urge the international community, human rights organisations and global leaders to hold Pakistan accountable for these violations and to advocate for the fundamental right of every individual to freely practice their religion without fear of persecution.

We firmly believe that freedom of religion or belief is a universal right, not a privilege. SAFFoRB remains committed to standing against all religious persecution and advocating for justice, equality, and human rights for all.

19th March, 2025

The South Asia Forum for Freedom of Religion or Belief (SAFFoRB) is deeply distressed and saddened by the recent violence against religious minorities in Bangladesh. There were many incidents of violence against Hindu, Christian and Ahmadiyya Communities in Bangladesh.

The Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council (HBCUC) reported around 200 attacks against Hindus and other religious minorities across 52 districts, and these incidents are continuing. There were many incidents of looting of Hindu homes and business entities, and a few temples were also damaged.

Another minority community of Muslims were also attacked. The Ahmadiyya Mosques in Ahmadnagar, Jamia (Theological School), and Jalsa Gah (annual convention ground) were attacked, and 70 houses were torched on 6th August 2024. Around 18 Ahmadis were injured. There were incidents of attack against Ahamdis at Mathertek of Dhaka City, Bamnail under Rajshahi district, Chorakhola of Nilphamari district, and Rangtia of district Sherpur. The tribal people and Christian community were attacked and looted. In this situation, the minority communities are living in fear in Bangladesh.

We stand in solidarity with the people of Bangladesh, particularly the students, for their bravery in defending their constitutional rights to justice and equality. Violence against minorities can never be justified under any circumstances.

We strongly demand the present interim government led by Dr Muhammad Yunus to curb the violence and protect the religious minority communities, their homes, and worship places.

The Army and police should arrest and take legal action against those who are responsible for the communal disturbances.
The administration should offer rehabilitation services to all those injured and ensure they return home.

SAFFoRB also urges global governments and the international community to monitor the situation and encourage the present government of Bangladesh to maintain law and order.
SAFFoRB urges the UN Special Rapporteur on FoRB and Minorities and International Religious Freedom or Belief Alliance (IRFBA) to do an emergency visit and bring out the situation report.

SAFFoRB expresses solidarity with the religious minorities in Bangladesh and their right to live; the practice of religion is a fundamental right in Bangladesh, as well as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). We urge the global community to voice out and protect these rights.

South Asia Forum for Freedom of Religion or Belief (SAFFoRB) is a regional human rights network that promotes and protects the freedom of Religion or Belief for everyone.

The South Asia Forum for Freedom of Religion or Belief (SAFFoRB) is deeply distressed and concerned about the sudden eruption of violence in Manipur. Fifty people are reported to have been killed, and many of the places of worship including several Churches are attacked and burnt down. Unless the violence is stopped immediately and the guilty are booked, the peace and harmony in the State will be ruptured beyond repair.

It must be noted that both Meiteis and tribals have lived together in Manipur for centuries. These communities have been living as neighbors and have shared social and cultural spaces. What was a protest against the government policy turned into sectarian and barbaric violence, causing deaths, and destructions and rendering thousands homeless overnight on both sides.

The state government’s alleged inaction has allowed deaths and destruction to escalate. Partisan partisan political interest has fuelled the violence spiral to cause severe loss of human life and property. Clearly, the State failed to curb the violence sooner and maintain law and order and peace. Had it acted promptly and strongly, the damage would have been limited.

However, what is very heartening is that there are signs of sanity manifesting in acts of humanity and solidarity. In Lamka town a video of the tribal women holding hands and forming a chain to protect the Meitei community against an angry mob was seen. In Churachandpur, tribal villagers were protecting the Meitei community in their localities by taking them to the army which could escort them to safety.

We urge the Government of India to intervene to stop the violence immediately. They should give protection to all the people and take stringent action against those who are indulging in violence. The places of worship of all faith communities should be protected. We urge the state government should facilitate dialogues among all stakeholders on policy issues instead of supporting one community against others. The state government should function in an unbiased way in order to restore the traditional harmony and co-existence in the State.

South Asia Forum for Freedom of Religion or Belief (SAFFoRB) is a regional human rights network to protect and promote Freedom of Religion or Belief for everyone.

The South Asia Forum for Freedom of Religion or Belief (SAFFORB) strongly condemns violence against the Christian residents of numerous villages of Narayanpur and Kondagaondistricts in the state of Chhattisgarh. There is an organized campaign to forcibly convert ChristianAdivasis to the Hindu religion. This campaign escalated on 9th December 2022. By 18th December 2022, there were a series of attacks in about 18 villages in Narayanpur district and 15 villages inKondagaon district displacing about a thousand Christian Adivasis from their villages. Those displaced were told to give up their Christian faith and convert to the Hindu religion, failing which they were ordered to leave the village or face dire consequences, including death. Many ChristianAdivasis were gravely assaulted and beaten with lathis, tires, and rods. At least two dozen people had to be hospitalized with injuries like fractures of the collarbone and other such injuries. A few ChristianAdivasis, according to a fact-finding report of the Centre for Study of Society and Secularism, UnitedChristian Forum, and other organizations, one Mr. Manglu Koram, and members of 21 Christian families from Madamnar village were forcibly taken to the village tihad (temple) where the priest forcefully sprinkled some water on them and conducted some rituals and declared them to be Hindus. They also forcibly took away copies of the bible from their homes. Likewise, 18 families from Udidgaon village and 3 families from Fulhadgaon, 3 families from Putanchandagaon village were also forcibly converted. Even persons with disabilities and pregnant women were not spared from the brutal violence. On 2nd January 2023, a Catholic Church in Narayanpur was attacked by a violent mob desecrating the idols of Jesus Christ and Mother Mary. The District Superintendent of Police was hit on his head and other police personnel were injured. The District Administration ignored the early warning consisting of threats and intimidation targeting Christian Adivasis. These intimidations, which tantamounted to a breach of peace in the locality, were reported but no action was taken. Even after an escalated and violent campaign against the Christian Adivasis from 9th December onwards, no notice or action was taken. No FIR was filed even though the survivors of this attack filed their complaints with the Benur Police Station in the Narayanpur district. In Temrugaon, three Christian Adivasis were beaten in the presence of 10 to 15 policemen. The policemen neither stopped the attack nor filed an FIR of the incident. As a result, the violence against Christians Adivasis kept on escalating. The administration is functioning on the proposition that both sides are guilty in the conflict, and in fact, the DM described the conflict as a minor scuffle. The wrong that the district administration is alluding to is that according to them the Christian Adivasis have disowned the traditional religious beliefs. Every Indian citizen, including the Adivasis, is within their legal rights to profess and practice any beliefs. The proposition that this is merely a minor scuffle in which both parties are wrong is becoming an excuse for inaction in stopping the violence. The inaction has emboldened the perpetrators of violence and is becoming a law unto themselves.

We therefore demand:

1. Immediate steps should be taken to facilitate the return of Christian Adivasis to their villages with dignity and security.
2. Legal action should be undertaken without any further delay against the perpetrators of the violence inflicted upon the Christian Adivasis. Strict action is to be taken against those involved in the forcible conversions that have taken place.
3. Strict action should be taken as per law against those police officers who were responsible for inaction against the perpetrators of violence inflicted on the ChristianAdivasis and for non-registration of FIRs.
4. The homes and prayer houses of the Christian Adivasis that were damaged during the attacks should be rebuilt by the State, and victims of violence must be adequately compensated for the pain agony suffered, apart from the loss of property(house, agricultural harvest, cattle, etc.) and livelihood ensured.

Signatories to the statement are:

1. Masooma Ranalvi, Working Group Member of SAFFORB, Goa.
2. Dr. D. K. Giri, Schumacher Society, New Delhi.
3. Inbaraj Jeyakumar, Students Christian Movement of India, Bengaluru.
4. Dhirendra Panda, Co-ordinator, National Solidarity Forum, Bhubaneshwar.
5. Irfan Engineer, Director, Centre for Study of Society and Secularism, Mumbai.

Today marks the first anniversary of the Military Takeover in Myanmar.

SAFFoRB strongly condemns the unconstitutional coup d’état executed by the Myanmar’s military one year ago, and denounces the gross human rights violations it has committed and continues to commit against the people of Myanmar, including against ethnic and religious minorities, which amount to crimes against humanity.

Since the seizure of power on February 1, 2021, the Myanmar military has been committing human rights violations at large scale. The military continues to tighten its grip on power by brutally cracking down the protests with lethal
forces, and arbitrarily detaining political leaders, religious actors, activists, protesters, journalists, civil society leaders, and forcibly disappeared hundreds of people.

The military also launched series of offensive attacks against the Ethnic Armed Organizations (EAOs), Local and People Defence Forces where the military’s both targeted and indiscriminate attacks in populated areas caused civilian casualtiess, damage to civilian property including religious sites, and displacement. Among the regions most affected by this conflict are the states of Chin, Kayah, and Karen – home to ethnic and religious minorities.

Multiple news and reports including UN Fact Finding Mission and Human Rights Commissioner indicated that the military has been responsible for violations of freedom of religion or belief particularly those targeting religious and ethnic minorities with impunity for decades, and such attacks escalated since beginning of the coup. These violations include raids and attacks on places of worship, leading to damage and destruction. Some of these attacks could amount to war crimes under international law.

In other cases, the military has set up military encampments in places of worship. There have been reports of arrests of religious leaders and religious minorities, who were later prohibited from practicing their religions while in detention and some were exposed to torture and ill treatments causing deaths in custody.

SAFFoRB expresses its deep concern at the frequent attacks on protected structures such as churches, mosques, schools and medical facilities, and the arrests and killings of religious leaders.

SAFFoRB expresses its utmost support for the people of Myanmar in their struggle for democracy, freedom and human rights.

SAFFoRB calls for the immediate and unconditional release of political leaders and all others who have been arrested on unfounded accusations.

SAFFoRB calls for a firm, unified and resolute international response to pursue accountability for the Myanmar military and the restoration of democracy in Myanmar.

SAFFoRB working committee:

Mahendra Bhattarai

Mohammed Firthous

Masooma Ranalvi

Safina Marian

Suvra Dev Kar

Ja Seng

Samuel Jayakumar (coordinator)

1st February, 2022