Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council condemns recent communal violence

Ansar Ahmed Ullah
Shottobani

Bangladesh: The Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council has issued a strong statement condemning the recent surge in communal violence across the country. The statement dated 20 April 2025, highlights several troubling incidents, including the murder of Bhavesh Chandra Roy in Biral, Dinajpur; the forced resignation of school headmaster Kantilal Acharya in Sitakunda, Chattogram; and the rape of a Marma girl in Kaukhali, Rangamati.

Kantilal Acharya’s daughter said, “I can’t sleep at night watching videos of my dad being humiliated.” ‘… We girls (sisters) can’t sleep at night watching videos of our father being humiliated. Think, he is not just a teacher, he is our father. Tell me how you would feel if this happened to your father!”

Acting Headmaster Kanti Lal Acharya of Bhatiari Haji Tobarak Ali Chowdhury (TAC) High School in Sitakunda, Chittagong, was forced to sign his resignation letter. Prothom Ali reported that the incident took place on Wednesday, when Kanti Lal Acharya was forced to resign. It has been alleged that on that day, a section of local BNP leaders, activists, and former students took out a procession to the school, surrounded Kanti Lal Acharya, and forced him to sign the resignation letter.

The daughter further said, “Cocktails were exploded in the school before my father resigned. My father was still fearless. He was forced to sign a paper that said – I am voluntarily resigning due to corruption allegations. Dad boldly said, I have not done corruption, I will not sign this page. I’m just resigning. At that time, a group of people went to kill my father. Later, another paper was written I have resigned for personal reasons.’

According to the council, around fifty violent incidents occurred nationwide in March, involving murders, rapes, attacks on temples, arrests on charges of religious defamation, assaults on indigenous communities, and looting of homes and businesses. Leaders Ushatan Talukder, Nim Chandra Bhowmik, Mr. Nirmal Rozario, and Acting General Secretary Monindra Kumar Nath expressed concern that these events are escalating fears and insecurity among minority communities amid ongoing unrest and communal tensions.

 The council leaders have demanded the immediate arrest of those responsible and strict legal action against the perpetrators to restore peace and safety for minority populations in Bangladesh.