New Delhi: In a grave incident underscoring escalating violence against religious minorities in Bangladesh, five homes belonging to Hindu families were set ablaze in Dumritala village in Pirojpur district in the early hours of Sunday. The attack, which left eight residents narrowly escaping through improvised exits, has prompted legal investigations and intensified scrutiny of minority protection under the interim government.
Coordinated Arson and Escape
According to eyewitness accounts and police reports, the arson occurred around 3:00 a.m. on December 28, when unidentified individuals allegedly locked the doors of the targeted homes from the outside before setting the structures on fire. The flames spread rapidly, engulfing five residences and destroying personal belongings, including furniture, land deeds, educational certificates, and cash.
Eight residents, including elderly individuals and children, escaped by cutting through tin sheets and bamboo fencing. While no human fatalities were reported, several pets perished in the blaze. One elderly woman, who was alone in her house at the time, reportedly noticed the fire and attempted to alert neighbours; however, by then, the flames had already spread to adjacent homes.
Local fire services responded after the alarm was raised, but the damage was extensive. Preliminary assessments indicate a complete loss of property for three families, with partial damage to two others. The victims have since been temporarily relocated to nearby shelters under police supervision.
Legal Response and Investigation Underway
Pirojpur Sadar Police Station confirmed the arrest of five suspects in connection with the incident. The investigation is being conducted under Sections 435 and 436 of the Bangladesh Penal Code, which pertain to mischief by fire and arson with intent to cause damage to dwelling houses. If convicted, the accused could face imprisonment ranging from seven years to life, depending on the severity and intent established during trial.
Law enforcement officials have indicated that the attack may have been motivated by communal animosity, citing similarities with recent incidents in Chattogram and Mymensingh. In the latter case, a Hindu garment worker was reportedly lynched and burned following blasphemy allegations just days earlier. Authorities are examining whether the Dumritala arson forms part of a broader, coordinated pattern of violence targeting minority communities.
The Bangladesh National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has called for an expedited and impartial investigation, emphasizing the constitutional obligation under Article 28(1) of the Bangladesh Constitution, which guarantees equality before the law and protection from discrimination on religious grounds.
Minority Safety Under Interim Governance
The attack comes amid heightened concerns over minority safety following the transition to an interim government led by Muhammad Yunus. Since the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, rights groups have documented a surge in communal violence, including forced evictions, mob attacks, and property destruction targeting Hindu and Christian communities.
Data compiled by Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK), a Dhaka-based legal aid and human rights organisation, indicates that between November and December 2025, at least 17 incidents of violence against minorities were reported across six districts. These include three arson cases, two mob lynchings, and multiple instances of temple vandalism.
Legal experts have urged the interim administration to reinforce protective measures under the Special Powers Act, 1974, and the Prevention of Communal Violence Act, which provide for preventive detention and enhanced penalties for hate crimes. However, implementation remains inconsistent due to administrative transitions and limited local enforcement capacity.
International observers, including the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), have expressed concern over the deteriorating security environment for minorities in Bangladesh. In a statement issued on December 30, OHCHR called for “urgent and transparent legal action” and recommended the deployment of community protection units in vulnerable regions.
The Dumritala arson incident marks a critical juncture in Bangladesh’s legal and human rights landscape. As investigations proceed, the case is expected to test the interim government’s commitment to constitutional protections and international obligations. Legal proceedings against the accused are ongoing, with preliminary hearings scheduled for early January 2026. Rights groups and legal advocates continue to monitor the situation closely, urging accountability and systemic reform to safeguard minority communities.
