At least 100 individuals have been arrested in connection with 115 cases of sectarian violence across the country since August 4, 2024, according to a report submitted by the police.
Chief Adviser’s Deputy Press Secretary, Abul Kalam Azad Majumder, shared details of the investigations during a press briefing.
The Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council reported 1,769 incidents of attacks, violence, vandalism, and looting targeting minority communities in Bangladesh. These include over 2,100 allegations of damage to lives, property, and places of worship belonging to minorities.
To verify these claims, the police conducted thorough investigations, including contacting individuals and institutions cited in the allegations and visiting the affected sites.
Azad Majumder said that victims were encouraged to file complaints, and measures have been taken to ensure their safety. Legal actions, including filing cases and general diaries (GDs), were initiated based on the findings.
According to the police, out of 1,769 complaints, only 20 incidents were confirmed as sectarian violence.
A majority, 1,234 incidents, were identified as political violence and 161 allegations were found to be false or baseless.
The investigations resulted in 62 cases being filed and 35 individuals arrested in connection with sectarian attacks.
Additionally, between August 5, 2024, and January 8, 2025, the police received 134 new complaints of sectarian violence. These led to 53 more cases being filed and the arrest of 65 perpetrators. In total, 115 cases have been filed, and over 100 arrests have been made since August 4.
The Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council highlighted that 1,452 incidents—82.8% of the total allegations—occurred on August 5, 2024, the day Sheikh Hasina's government was ousted. The council also reported 65 incidents on August 4 and 70 on August 6.
Azad Majumder said that some political attacks were being framed as communal violence. However, the interim government has declared a zero-tolerance policy against sectarian attacks and instructed law enforcement to act swiftly.
The interim government has pledged compensation for victims and reaffirmed its commitment to upholding human rights for all, regardless of religion, caste, ethnicity, or gender. To ensure effective action, a dedicated WhatsApp number has been launched for reporting communal violence. Minority community leaders are in regular contact with the police. Complaints received via the national emergency service (999) are handled promptly by a focal point at police headquarters.
The government continues to prioritise resolving every complaint of sectarian violence, emphasising accountability and justice.