Sat Jan 11 08:06:03 UTC 2025: **Bangladesh Police Downplay Communal Violence; Interim Government Vows Zero Tolerance**
DHAKA, BANGLADESH—A report released by Bangladesh police on January 11, 2025, contradicts claims of widespread communal violence against minority groups following the departure of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in August 2024. The Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Unity Council had initially reported 1,769 communal attacks. However, police investigations concluded that 1,234 incidents were politically motivated, only 20 were deemed communal, and 161 were deemed false.
The police report details that 35 arrests have been made from the initial 1,769 allegations, with 62 cases registered. Furthermore, the police have received and are investigating an additional 134 reports of communal incidents between August 5, 2024, and January 8, 2025, resulting in 53 filed cases and 65 arrests. The government has pledged compensation for victims of communal violence and emphasizes a “zero tolerance” policy.
Despite these assertions, the report notably omits mention of Chinmoy Krishna Das, a Vaishnav monk imprisoned for allegedly disrespecting the Bangladeshi flag. While the police claim to be maintaining contact with minority community leaders via a dedicated WhatsApp hotline, concerns remain regarding the accuracy and completeness of the police investigation. Protests, largely organized by the Bangladesh Sammilito Sanatani Jagaran Jote, were held throughout September and November in support of minority religious communities. The interim government, led by Professor Mohammad Yunus, has affirmed its commitment to human rights regardless of religious affiliation.
First Piper 