India has officially condemned the recent killing of a Hindu man in Bangladesh, expressing deep concern over the ongoing violence against minority communities in the neighboring country. The incident, which occurred in late December 2025, has drawn attention to the precarious situation faced by Hindus and other minority groups in Bangladesh, where tensions have escalated in recent years.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) of India issued a statement on December 26, 2025, following reports of the lynching of a 35-year-old Hindu man in the southwestern district of Satkhira. The victim, identified as Ranjit Das, was reportedly attacked by a mob while he was returning home from a local market. Eyewitnesses stated that the assailants were part of a larger group that had been inciting violence against Hindus in the area. The police have launched an investigation into the incident, but as of now, no arrests have been made.
In its statement, the MEA described the killing as “unacceptable” and called for the perpetrators to be brought to justice. The ministry emphasized the need for the Bangladeshi government to take decisive action to protect minority communities and ensure their safety. “We hope that the authorities in Bangladesh will take all necessary measures to prevent such incidents in the future,” the statement read.
The killing of Ranjit Das is not an isolated incident. Over the past few years, there has been a noticeable increase in violence against Hindus and other religious minorities in Bangladesh, a predominantly Muslim country. According to reports from various human rights organizations, incidents of mob violence, vandalism of temples, and harassment of minority communities have surged, particularly during religious festivals and political events.
The historical context of Hindu minorities in Bangladesh is complex. Following the partition of India in 1947, many Hindus migrated to India, leading to a significant decline in their population in Bangladesh. Today, Hindus make up approximately 8-10% of the total population, down from around 22% at the time of independence in 1971. This demographic shift has often been accompanied by social and political marginalization, making Hindus vulnerable to discrimination and violence.
The rise of radical elements within Bangladesh has further exacerbated the situation. In recent years, extremist groups have gained prominence, often targeting religious minorities under the guise of defending Islam. The government of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has faced criticism for its handling of these groups, with some accusing it of failing to adequately protect minority communities.
The implications of the violence against Hindus in Bangladesh extend beyond its borders. India, which shares a long and complex history with Bangladesh, has a vested interest in the stability and security of its neighbor. The Indian government has been vocal about its commitment to protecting the rights of minorities in Bangladesh, particularly in light of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) passed in India in 2019, which aims to provide citizenship to non-Muslim refugees from neighboring countries, including Bangladesh.
The CAA has been a contentious issue within India, sparking widespread protests and debates about its implications for secularism and religious equality. Critics argue that the law discriminates against Muslims, while supporters contend that it is a necessary measure to protect persecuted minorities. The recent killing of Ranjit Das has reignited discussions about the safety of Hindus in Bangladesh and the broader implications for India-Bangladesh relations.
As the investigation into Das’s murder continues, the Indian government is likely to monitor the situation closely. The MEA’s condemnation of the killing reflects India’s broader concerns about the treatment of minorities in Bangladesh and the potential for increased tensions between the two countries. The Indian government has previously expressed its commitment to supporting the rights of minorities in Bangladesh, and this incident may prompt further diplomatic engagement on the issue.
In conclusion, the killing of Ranjit Das serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by religious minorities in Bangladesh. As India calls for justice and protection for these communities, the incident underscores the need for ongoing dialogue and cooperation between India and Bangladesh to address the underlying issues of religious intolerance and violence. The situation remains fluid, and the response of the Bangladeshi government will be closely scrutinized by both domestic and international observers in the coming weeks.
