Hindus in Bangladesh: The Two-Nation Theory’s Enduring Legacy

Hindus in Bangladesh

The persecution of Hindus in Bangladesh is a harrowing reality that has persisted for decades, deeply rooted in the ideological foundations of the Two-Nation Theory. The creation of Pakistan in 1947 and later Bangladesh in 1971 left Hindus in a precarious position, facing systemic discrimination, land dispossession, and periodic waves of violence. Despite Bangladesh’s initial commitment to secularism, the rise of Islamist forces and the failure of successive governments to protect minorities have resulted in a steady decline in the (percentage of hindus in bangladesh) Hindu population—from nearly 30% in 1947 to less than 8% today.

The recent political turmoil in Bangladesh, particularly the ouster of Sheikh Hasina and the rise of Chief Advisor Yunus, has led to an alarming escalation in anti-Hindu violence. Reports of mass killings, destruction of temples, and forced displacements have triggered widespread outrage in India, with growing calls for Prime Minister Narendra Modi to take decisive action. While diplomatic pressure remains an option, there is increasing discussion within India about the possibility of military intervention to protect Hindus in Bangladesh.

This essay examines the historical context of Hindu persecution, the role of legal frameworks in institutionalising discrimination, the resurgence of extremist violence under Yunus, and the growing political pressure in India to respond to this crisis.

The Historical Roots of Hindu Persecution in Bangladesh

The persecution of Hindus in Bangladesh is not a recent development but a direct consequence of the Two-Nation Theory, which asserted that Hindus and Muslims constituted separate nations that could not coexist in a single state. While India chose a secular framework, Pakistan—including its eastern wing, now Bangladesh—embraced religious nationalism, leaving Hindus vulnerable to systematic exclusion.

Following partition, the Enemy Property Act of 1965 (later rebranded as the Vested Property Act) facilitated the large-scale seizure of Hindu-owned land, forcing thousands of Hindu families into poverty and migration. During the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War, the Pakistani military and local Islamist militias, including the Razakars, specifically targeted Hindus in a genocidal campaign. It is estimated that of the three million people killed, a disproportionately high number were Hindus, and nearly eight to nine million Hindus fled to India, with most never returning.

Despite the liberation of Bangladesh, the persecution of Hindus continued. Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s government initially upheld secularism, but his assassination in 1975 led to the rise of military dictators who reintroduced Islamist policies and removed secular provisions from the constitution. General Ziaur Rahman and General Hussain Muhammad Ershad institutionalised religious majoritarianism by removing secularism from the constitution and declaring Islam the state religion in 1988. These legal and political shifts emboldened Islamist groups, normalised anti-Hindu violence, and ensured that Hindus remained second-class citizens in Bangladesh.

how many hindus are there in bangladesh.

Estimating the exact number of Hindus in Bangladesh for 2025 is challenging without specific census data for that year. However, based on trends and projections, we can make an educated guess.

As of the 2022 census, there were approximately 13.1 million Hindus in Bangladesh, making up about 7.96% of the population. The Pew Research Center projects that by 2050, Bangladesh will have about 14.47 million Hindus, constituting 7.3% of the population. Given this trend, the Hindu population is expected to grow but at a slower rate than the overall population.

For 2025, assuming a similar trend and considering the projected growth rates, the Hindu population might be slightly higher than in 2022 but not significantly so. Thus, a rough estimate for 2025 could be around 13.5 to 14 million Hindus, though this is speculative without precise data.

The Escalation of Violence Under Chief Advisor Yunus

The persecution of Hindus in Bangladesh has reached a new peak under the rule of Chief Advisor Mohammad Yunus, who took over after the ousting of Sheikh Hasina’s government. Under his administration, extremist groups have been emboldened, leading to an unprecedented wave of violence against Hindus.

Recent Attacks Against Hindus

1. Temple Destruction and Arson Attacks – Reports have surfaced of Hindu temples being burned down across Bangladesh, with the Kali Mandir in Noakhali and the Jagannath Temple in Chittagong being among the most prominent victims. Extremist mobs, allegedly backed by Yunus’s administration, have set fire to these sacred sites, destroying centuries of cultural heritage.
2. Mass Killings and Forced Displacement – Hindu families in Sylhet, Khulna, and Rajshahi have been targeted in violent pogroms, with attackers engaging in killings, sexual violence, and forced conversions. In some villages, entire Hindu populations have been forced to flee, with thousands crossing the border into India in search of refuge.
3. State-Sanctioned Persecution – Reports indicate that Bangladeshi police and security forces have been complicit in these attacks, refusing to intervene or actively assisting extremist mobs. Hindu activists attempting to document these crimes have been arrested under blasphemy laws or falsely accused of “anti-state activities.”

Outrage in India: Mounting Pressure on Modi to Intervene

The deteriorating situation in Bangladesh has ignited intense outrage in India, with public demonstrations, political rallies, and calls for direct intervention growing louder. Several key developments highlight the escalating pressure on Prime Minister Narendra Modi to take action:

1. Mass Protests Across India – Hindu nationalist groups such as the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal have organised large-scale protests in cities like Delhi, Kolkata, and Guwahati, demanding military intervention in Bangladesh. Social media campaigns using hashtags like #SaveBangladeshiHindus and #ModiActNow have gone viral.
2. Political Pressure on Modi – Opposition parties and BJP hardliners have urged the Modi government to adopt a more aggressive stance. Some leaders have even suggested invoking the Indira Doctrine, which was used in 1971 to justify India’s military intervention in Bangladesh. Calls for deploying the Indian Army to create a “safe zone” for Hindus in Bangladesh have gained traction among nationalist politicians.
3. Demands for Military Action – While diplomacy is ongoing, calls for military action are rising. Some propose limited strikes on extremist strongholds, while others advocate full-scale war to create a separate Hindu nation.

India’s Policy Dilemma: Diplomacy or Military Intervention?

Modi faces a delicate balancing act between diplomatic engagement and military assertiveness. Several strategic options are being considered:

1. Diplomatic Pressure – Engaging with Bangladesh through bilateral talks and international forums such as the United Nations, SAARC, and the OIC to push for stronger minority protections.
2. Economic Leverage – Using India’s position as Bangladesh’s largest trading partner to impose sanctions or conditional aid linked to human rights improvements.
3. Military Intervention – Exploring a covert or overt military operation to eliminate extremist groups targeting Hindus. However, this carries risks, including escalating tensions with China and Pakistan, both of whom have vested interests in Bangladesh.
4. Humanitarian Assistance – Accelerating the implementation of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) to provide refuge to persecuted Hindus fleeing Bangladesh.

Conclusion

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The Source’s Authority and Ownership of the Article is Claimed By THE STUDY IAS BY MANIKANT SINGH