'love trap' campaign against Hindus in Bangladesh

Hindus in Bangladesh continue to face mounting threats and discrimination as fundamentalist organisations, empowered by the political climate, target the community through diverse tactics, from physical violence to social exclusion and smear campaigns.

Though direct attacks on Hindus appear to have subsided, in the latest wave of anti-Hindu moves, members of the community are being removed from government jobs, either through dismissal or forced resignations.  The Hindu community claims that a climate of animosity is building, which is costing them their jobs and other opportunities.

Beyond employment discrimination, a propaganda campaign, similar to the ‘love jihad’ narrative in India, is being directed at the Hindu community. Extremist groups in Bangladesh have launched a 'love trap' campaign, spreading accusations that Hindu men are allegedly enticing Muslim women, converting them. Posters promoting this narrative have surfaced in multiple areas, urging caution among Muslim women.

In addition, instances of vandalism targeting Hindu idols during Durga Puja were reported in various parts of Bangladesh. Police were deployed to maintain order, but radical organisations remain aggressively hostile, bolstered by their perceived support from the recent government.

In response to these targeted attacks, the Hindu community has organised numerous protests across Bangladesh, demanding justice and peaceful coexistence. The Indian government also repeatedly called on the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government in Bangladesh to prioritise the safety of Hindus and ensure that those responsible for attacks on the community are brought to justice.