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.