Awami League Decries Attack on Hindu Community in Rangpur, Accuses Interim Government of Enabling Communal Violence

Dhaka: Bangladesh’s Awami League has strongly denounced a recent violent attack on the Hindu community in Rangpur’s Gangachara upazila, attributing the incident to what it calls a deteriorating law and order situation under the interim administration led by Muhammad Yunus.

In a strongly worded statement released on Thursday, the ruling party accused the current government of abetting communal forces and enabling targeted violence against minorities. “Under the protection of the extremist clique led by Yunus, communal terrorists have launched systematic attacks against religious minorities,” the statement read.

The Awami League described the assault in Gangachara as part of a larger pattern of violence since the interim regime took over, alleging that its leaders and minority groups have been subjected to repression, looting, arson, and forced displacement.

“The acts of terror inflicted upon Hindus and other communities are inconceivable in any nation governed by rule of law,” the party stated, adding that the perpetrators are being sheltered by what it called the “murderer-Nazi-fascist Yunus group.”

The party further warned that justice for these attacks was unlikely under the current administration, which it claimed has provided protection to the very groups responsible. “These occupiers will not ensure accountability — on the contrary, they have emboldened extremist elements to continue their terror with impunity.”

In its appeal, the Awami League urged the people of Bangladesh to unite against what it described as the “growing threat of militant communalism,” and called for collective resistance to safeguard harmony and democracy in the country.

The violence in Rangpur has drawn wider attention after the Human Rights Congress for Bangladesh Minorities (HRCBM) reported that between 14 and 21 homes belonging to Hindu families in Aldadpur village were attacked over two days, July 27 and 28. The incident followed a blasphemy accusation against a 17-year-old Hindu boy, who is now in police custody.

According to HRCBM, mobs ransacked homes, looted valuables, and terrorized residents, forcing many to flee the area. “What occurred was not a spontaneous backlash, but an orchestrated campaign of violence,” said the rights body in a statement.

Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos, with delayed or insufficient police response. The HRCBM condemned the failure to protect the community and called for immediate intervention to restore security and provide relief.

As the country reels from the aftermath, demands are growing for accountability, protection of minority rights, and a transparent investigation into the violence.