Atrocities against Hindus in Bangladesh have reportedly increased, triggering criticism of Muhammad Yunus and renewed questions over his Nobel Peace Prize, amid accusations that he has failed, as Chief Advisor of the interim government, to curb violence and human rights abuses against Hindu communities.
The Hindu Council UK (HCUK) has written to Mr Jørgen Watne Frydnes, Chairman of the Norwegian Nobel Committee, requesting a review of Dr Muhammad Yunus’ Nobel Peace Prize. The letter cites Yunus’ tenure as Chief Advisor of Bangladesh’s interim government, during which multiple credible sources, including Bangladeshi media, human-rights groups, international analysts, and law enforcement, documented attacks on religious minorities, especially Hindus. Named killings include Mrinal Kanti Chatterjee, Swapan Kumar Biswas, and Dipu Chandra Das, while dozens more occurred amid political instability. Reports also indicate authorities failed to file FIRs in recent cases, including the burning of Dipu Chandra Das.
HCUK stressed Bangladesh’s obligations under international law to protect minorities, prevent harm, and prosecute perpetrators. While not alleging personal criminal culpability, the letter questions Yunus’ moral and institutional responsibility as a Nobel laureate holding executive power, given the Prize’s commitment to peace, non-violence, and human dignity.
The Council requested that the Nobel Committee review the situation, reaffirm ethical obligations tied to the Prize, and promote adherence to human-rights norms. The letter is also intended as an open appeal to raise public debate on protecting life, dignity, and religious freedom. Separately, the Bangladesh Hindu Association has announced a protest at Westminster Parliament scheduled for 21 January 2026.
Second Hindu killing in 24 hours
A 40-year-old Hindu man was killed in Bangladesh, marking the second such killing in the country within 24 hours. Sarat Mani Chakraborty, a grocery shop owner, was attacked with sharp weapons in Narsingdi district around 10 pm and later succumbed to his injuries.
Earlier the same day, Rana Pratap, a 45-year-old factory owner and acting editor of a local newspaper, was shot dead in Jashore. Local sources said Pratap was lured out of his ice factory in Kopalia Bazar, taken into an alley, shot in the head and had his throat slit. Seven bullet casings were recovered, and police confirmed he was shot three times. An investigation is underway.
The killings are part of a growing wave of violence against minorities in Bangladesh, particularly Hindus, who make up about 7 per cent of the population.
Last week, a Hindu woman in Jhenaidah was raped by two men who allegedly demanded money, tied her to a tree, shaved her head, filmed the assault, and circulated the video online. She later lost consciousness and was hospitalised.
Days earlier, Khokon Chandra Das, 50, was attacked and set on fire while returning home from his shop near Dhaka; he died in hospital on January 3. On December 29, Bajendra Biswas, 40, a member of the Ansar Bahini, was shot dead at a garment factory in Mymensingh by a colleague.
Other recent incidents include the lynching of 29-year-old Amrit Mondal in Rajbari on December 24 and the mob killing and burning of Dipu Chandra Das, also 29, in Mymensingh on December 18 over alleged blasphemy, an incident that drew international attention to the escalating violence against Hindus under the interim administration led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus.
