Bangladesh: Hindu minor girl abducted, raped and coerced into conversion to Islam

Hindu 14 years old girl Arpita Haldar was abducted & raped by Islamist Sajjad Khan for forcible conversion and a forced nikah. Sajjad’s wealthy family allegedly influenced local police, ensuring their silence and inaction. This case exemplifies the systematic targeting of Hindu women, who are often powerless in the face of such atrocities in Islamist Bangladesh.

Bangladeshi Islamists target Hindu girls, irrespective of age, for conversion to Islam and forced nikah, using intimidation, violence, or coercion. These acts are part of a broader effort to erase minority Hindu identities, while using Hindu women to bolster the Muslim population. Victims face lifelong trauma, and their families are left helpless.

The complicity of corrupt police further compounds the plight of Hindus in Bangladesh. Law enforcement’s bias and willingness to turn a blind eye leave minority communities vulnerable. Hindu men, often silenced by threats or violence or killed, are unable to protect their families, while women endure exploitation.

Disclaimer: Due to state restrictions in Bangladesh, independent follow-ups on such incidents are challenging.