“Burning Minorities Alive”: Sheikh Hasina Mounts Strong Attack on Yunus Government Over Minority Safety

Christmas greetings from former prime minister Sheikh Hasina turned into a fierce political warning as she accused Bangladesh's current Yunus-led administration of presiding over widespread violence against religious minorities.

In a strongly worded address, Hasina alleged that an "illegal" ruling group has dismantled communal harmony and enabled brutal attacks on non-Muslim communities across the country.

Christmas message and appeal for harmony

Opening her speech by wishing citizens on the occasion of Christmas, Hasina said Bangladesh had long stood as a model of peaceful coexistence among faiths. She recalled the founding vision of the country, stating, "The father of the nation dreamed of a non-communal Bangladesh. Bangladesh Awami League has ensured the smooth living of people of all religions to realise that dream."

She said successive governments under her party worked to protect the rights and religious freedom of all communities.

Claim of illegal rule and curbs on religious freedom

Hasina then turned her focus to the present political situation, accusing the current dispensation of unlawfully holding power and interfering in religious life. "It is sad to say that the current ruling group that has seized illegal power is interfering with the freedom of people of all religions and communities to practice their own religion," she said.

According to her, this political shift has directly contributed to growing insecurity among non-Muslim groups.

"Burning of religious minorities" cited in attack on regime

Highlighting recent incidents of violence, Hasina alleged that minorities are facing extreme brutality under the current administration. She said non-Muslims are "subjected to unspeakable torture" and added that the situation has produced "examples of atrocities such as the burning of religious minorities."

Her remarks came amid national outrage over the lynching of factory worker Dipu Chandra Das in Mymensingh. Das was accused of blasphemy by a co-worker, assaulted by a mob, and later set on fire.

Another killing adds to fears of escalating violence

Tensions deepened further after reports emerged of another Hindu man being beaten to death just days after the Mymensingh incident. Local residents told The Daily Star that the deceased, identified as Samrat, was allegedly linked to a criminal group known as the 'Samrat Bahini', which was involved in extortion and other activities.

According to the report, Samrat had fled Bangladesh following Hasina's ouster last year and had recently returned to his village of Hosendanga in Kalimohor Union.

Concluding her address, Hasina said she believed the crisis would not last. "I believe that the people of Bangladesh will not allow this difficult time to continue," she said, expressing hope that the spirit of Christmas would strengthen harmony between Christians and followers of other religions. "May dawn break through the darkness."