Bangladesh: Hindu minor girl abducted by Islamist

Narayanganj-
Hindu 17 years old girl Antara Das was abducted from her home by Islamist Mahruf, the son of a powerful political figure in Bangladesh. She was targeted for forced conversion and marriage (nikah). When Antara’s distraught parents sought justice by confronting Mahruf’s family, they were brutally assaulted, highlighting the impunity enjoyed by perpetrators in such cases in Islamic Bangladesh.

The abduction and abuse of Hindu women in Muslim-majority Bangladesh have become alarmingly common. Hindu victims face rapes, sexual harassment, forced conversions and forced marriages under the guise of religious imposition, often backed by influential individuals. Hindu families, seeking justice, are met with threats and violence, deepening their suffering.

Despite these atrocities, the state, police and society fail to offer protection or justice to Hindu minorities. The plight of women like Antara Das reflects systemic indifference and societal prejudice, leaving them vulnerable to violence. Stronger legal frameworks and genuine enforcement are urgently needed to safeguard the rights of Hindu women in Bangladesh.

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