Political Involvement Drove Majority of Alleged Attacks on Minorities: Police Investigation
Allegations of attacks and vandalism targeting minority communities have surfaced across Bangladesh following the fall of the Awami League government. Among 1,415 verified cases, 98.4% were politically motivated, while 1.59% were linked to communal intent, according to a police investigation covering incidents from August 4 to August 20. So far, 115 cases have been filed regarding communal violence, with at least 100 individuals arrested.
The findings were shared in a statement from the Chief Advisor’s Press Wing on Saturday. According to the Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council, 2,010 incidents of communal violence occurred during the stated period. Police have reported 1,769 complaints of attacks and vandalism, of which they investigated 1,415 cases, confirming the veracity of 1,254. Among these, 1,234 (98.4%) were politically motivated, and 20 (1.59%) were communal in nature. The remaining 161 complaints were deemed baseless.
Out of the 1,769 allegations of minority persecution, police have registered 62 cases and arrested 35 perpetrators. Investigations revealed that most incidents were not communal but politically driven.
The police noted, “Of the verified incidents, 1,234 were political, 20 were communal, and at least 161 complaints were found to be false or unfounded.”
The Unity Council claims that 1,452 incidents, or 82.8% of the total allegations, occurred on August 5, 2024—the day Sheikh Hasina’s government was ousted. They also reported 65 incidents on August 4 and 70 on August 6. Police investigations confirm that law and order deteriorated nationwide on August 5, with most of the alleged incidents concentrated on that day.
Beyond the council’s claims, police received an additional 134 allegations of communal violence between August 5, 2024, and January 8, 2025. These led to 53 cases and 65 arrests. In total, 115 cases have been filed and at least 100 individuals arrested over communal violence since August 4.
The press release emphasized the interim government’s “zero-tolerance policy against any communal attacks.” It added, “The government has directed law enforcement to apprehend perpetrators and has promised compensation to victims. Ensuring the protection of human rights, regardless of religion, ethnicity, or gender, remains a top priority.”
To address communal violence more effectively, the police have launched a WhatsApp helpline for complaints and maintain regular communication with minority leaders. The national emergency hotline 999 also directs communal violence complaints to a focal point at police headquarters. Police are prioritizing prompt action on every allegation.
