A fresh incident of communal violence in Bangladesh has sparked outrage after a Hindu family’s house was reportedly set ablaze, adding to growing fears among minority communities as the nation navigates political uncertainty and unrest.
According to local reports, unidentified attackers allegedly targeted the Saha family’s residence in Dumritola village, located in the Pirojpur district, on December 27. The miscreants are believed to have placed a cloth inside one room before igniting it, allowing the flames to spread rapidly and destroy multiple parts of the home. No casualties were reported, but the family suffered significant property damage and psychological trauma.
Taslima Nasreen Raises Alarm Over Pattern of Violence
Author and rights activist Taslima Nasreen reacted strongly after visuals of the damaged house surfaced online. Posting on X, she claimed that extremists had intentionally set five rooms on fire while the family slept, warning that incidents like this reflect a broader climate of intolerance.
#BreakingNews Cases of attacks on Hindus have reached an alarming level in Bangladesh. On December 27 at 6am, miscreants set fire at homes of Kanti Saha Dumuria village under Pirojpur district. pic.twitter.com/M4s7ROHBSs
— Salah Uddin Shoaib Choudhury (@salah_shoaib) December 28, 2025
Nasreen drew parallels with previous attacks on Hindu households in Chattogram, questioning whether the authorities were doing enough to protect minorities. She also criticized the interim administration under Muhammad Yunus, accusing it of failing to act decisively as such incidents continue.
Previous Attacks Highlight Growing Anxiety
The recent arson follows another disturbing event near Chattogram just days earlier, where a Hindu home was burned in the early morning hours. Victims said they awoke to suffocating heat only to discover that their doors had been locked from the outside. Eight residents escaped by breaking through tin walls and bamboo fencing, but they lost their belongings, livestock, and savings in the blaze.
Police later detained five suspects in that case, though investigators say others involved may still be at large.
Threats Spread Fear Among Minorities
Authorities revealed that a written threat had been found during investigations, accusing Hindus of acting “against Islam” and warning that their homes, property, and businesses would be targeted if they continued to “oppose” the majority community.
Reports from The Daily Star suggest that homes belonging to at least seven Hindu families were torched across three locations in Raozan within just five days — an alarming signal that these attacks may not be isolated events.
Local police officials have since met with community members and religious leaders, urging cooperation to prevent further unrest and calling the attacks “heinous crimes that must not be repeated.” Investigations remain ongoing.
Calls for Protection and Accountability
Rights groups say the spate of incidents underscores the vulnerability of minorities amid political volatility. Many are now calling on authorities to ensure swift investigations, visible security measures in sensitive areas, and stronger legal action against perpetrators.
For families like the Sahas, however, the fear lingers. As law enforcement continues its probe, questions persist about whether Bangladesh can guarantee safety, justice, and equal protection for all citizens — regardless of faith.