Sheikh Hasina accuses Yunus regime of ‘unspeakable torture’ of minorities in Christmas address

In her Christmas message, Hasina began by extending greetings to citizens and recalling Bangladesh’s long-standing tradition of communal harmony. She said the country had once stood as a “shining example” of peaceful coexistence among religious communities.

“The father of the nation dreamed of a non-communal Bangladesh. The Bangladesh Awami League ensured the smooth and peaceful living of people of all religions to realise that dream,” Hasina said, referring to her party’s legacy.

However, she expressed deep concern over the present political situation, alleging that the ruling group had undermined religious freedom.

“It is sad to say that the current ruling group that has seized illegal power is interfering with the freedom of people of all religions and communities to practise their own religion,” she said.

Hasina’s remarks come at a time when Bangladesh has witnessed a series of violent incidents involving religious minorities, triggering national and international alarm.

The atmosphere has been particularly tense following the lynching of factory worker Dipu Chandra Das in Mymensingh, who was accused of blasphemy by a co-worker. His body was later hanged and set on fire, according to reports.

Referring to such incidents, Hasina said non-Muslims were being subjected to “unspeakable torture” under the current administration. “Examples of extreme atrocities have emerged, including the burning of religious minorities,” she alleged.

She expressed hope that the people of Bangladesh would not allow the situation to persist. “I firmly believe that the people of Bangladesh will not allow this difficult time to continue,” Hasina said, adding that the spirit of Christmas would strengthen harmony between Christians and followers of other religions.

“May dawn break through the darkness,” she concluded.

The Christmas address coincided with reports of another Hindu man being beaten to death in Bangladesh, just days after the killing of Dipu Chandra Das. Local media reported on Thursday that the victim, identified as Samrat, was assaulted in his village of Hosendanga in Kalimohor Union.

Residents told Bangladeshi newspaper The Daily Star that Samrat was allegedly the leader of a criminal gang known as ‘Samrat Bahini’, which was involved in extortion and other illegal activities.

He had reportedly fled the country following Hasina’s ouster last year and had returned to the village only recently.

Authorities are investigating the incident, even as rights groups and opposition leaders continue to raise concerns about the safety of religious minorities amid Bangladesh’s ongoing political turmoil.