Assam Muslim Evictions and Rangpur Hindu Home Attacks: Minority Tensions Escalate in July 2025
From evictions in Assam to mob attacks in Rangpur, July 2025 saw 16 alarming incidents across India and Bangladesh, exposing deep fault lines in minority rights, media bias, and government actions.
জুলাই ২০২৫-এ ভারত ও বাংলাদেশে অন্তত ১৬টি সংখ্যালঘু নির্যাতনের ঘটনা ঘটে। যার মধ্যে রয়েছে আসামে মুসলিম উচ্ছেদ ও রংপুরে হিন্দু বাড়িতে হামলা। এর সঙ্গে অপতথ্য ও রাষ্ট্রীয় নিপীড়ন সংখ্যালঘু সংকটকে নতুন মাত্রা দিয়েছে। এই প্রতিবেদনে ঘটনাগুলোকে তুলে ধরা হয়েছে।
July 2025 saw a surge in incidents impacting minority communities in both India and Bangladesh, with at least 16 major events reported. Eight took place in Bangladesh, six in India, and two spanned both countries. These incidents ranged from violent attacks to forced evictions and waves of misinformation, creating fear and instability across the region.
In Assam, India, mass demolition drives displaced hundreds of Bengali-speaking Muslims, leaving many families homeless during peak monsoon conditions. Meanwhile in Bangladesh’s Rangpur, mobs attacked and vandalized at least 14 Hindu homes following an alleged Facebook post by a Hindu teenager that was accused of defaming Prophet Muhammad (SM).
This month’s Insighta report looks at these events, particularly how various state and non-state actors, including sections of the media, have framed the stories of minority persecution from different angles. In some cases, these narratives have fueled tensions, while in others they have misrepresented facts, further deepening the challenges faced by vulnerable minority communities.
Indian Media Circulates Unverified Allegations on Bangladesh–Pakistan-Turkey Ties
July 6: Several Indian media outlets, including India.com and News18, spread unverified claims of a Bangladesh–Turkey–Pakistan alliance backing an “anti-India doctrine.” They accused Turkey of arming Jamaat-e-Islami and supporting a secessionist “Saltanat-e-Bangla.” Bangladesh strongly denied the allegations; official sources clarified that drone photos and the so-called “Greater Bangladesh” map were misinterpreted and part of a historical exhibit.
Communal Murder Claim in Habiganj Debunked
July 7: A viral claim from “Voice of Bangladeshi Hindu” falsely alleged that 16-year-old Jony Das was killed by Islamic extremists for protesting Hindu persecution. However, police investigations and media reports revealed the boy died while confronting a thief during a break-in. The suspect, Saju Mia, confessed to the stabbing.
Muslim Family Homes Burned in ‘Love Jihad’ Backlash in India
July 7: Following reports of a Muslim youth eloping with a Hindu girl, two homes belonging to a Muslim family were set ablaze in Dhani Mahu village, Bhiwani District, Haryana. The incident was widely circulated on social media under the “love jihad” label. Police investigations are ongoing.
Propaganda Mislabels Protest Deaths as Jihadist Killings
July 8: Hindutva disinformation pages falsely claimed that nine Hindus were killed by jihadists during protests in Bangladesh. In reality, the victims died during violent police and Awami League party crackdowns on protesters during the July Uprising in 2024.
Assam Bulldozes 1,400 Homes of Bengali-Speaking Muslims in Dhubri
July 8: Another major eviction drive occurred in Dhubri, Assam, where 1,400 homes were demolished for a power project. District authorities cited encroachment, but the displaced, mainly Bengali-speaking Muslims, claimed generational ties to the land. Over 10,000 people have been affected.
Mosque and Eidgah Demolished in Uttar Pradesh Amid Protests
July 9: In India’s Kushinagar district, local Muslims began dismantling the Gadhiya Masjid and Eidgah themselves after eviction notices were issued. Hindu nationalist groups, including Sanatani Sena, had agitated for the removal. Officials warned of bulldozer action if the site wasn’t vacated.
False Missing Person Report in Bangladesh Debunked
July 10: Propaganda sources falsely claimed that Bhumika Mondal, a Hindu woman in Bangladesh, was missing and that no FIR was filed due to her religion. In reality, Bhumika left home for personal reasons and was found safe the same day in Cox’s Bazar.
Indian Muslim man recounts being tossed into the sea
July 11: A Washington Post investigation reveals a disturbing case involving Hasan Shah, a Muslim man from India, who was forcibly taken from his home by Indian police in late April. Shah was bound, blindfolded, and put on a boat to Bangladesh. After three days at sea, the officers reportedly ordered him at gunpoint, "Jump into the water. If you look back, we'll shoot you."
Shah managed to escape, swimming to safety, and was later rescued by the Bangladeshi coast guard. He is now stranded in Bangladesh, effectively stateless, after his Indian citizenship documents were seized. Separated from his wife and four children, Shah's family now faces hardship as they depend on his meager income as a waste picker.
Muslim Man Misidentified as Hindu by Indian Media
July 13: Following the murder of Md Sohag (alias Lal Chand) in Dhaka, several Indian media outlets including NDTV and WION falsely reported him as Hindu. In reality, Sohag was a Muslim businessman. He was beaten to death near Mitford Hospital and buried in Barguna following Janazah.
False Missing Claim of a Hindu Woman Circulated Online
July 14: A viral post falsely claimed a Hindu mother of two had been missing in Bangladesh. She was later found safe in Cox’s Bazar, with family confirming a history of mental health issues.
Disinformation Uses Image of Muslim Child in Murder Claim
July 15: Indian right-wing pages falsely used an image of a murdered Muslim girl, Roza Moni, to allege the killing of a Hindu child. Roza, aged six, had been missing for five days before being found dead in Kishoreganj.
Indian Media Falsely Reports Islamist Attack in Gopalganj
July 16: The Economic Times wrongly claimed an Islamist attack targeted Awami League supporters in Gopalganj, Bangladesh. Verified reports show the violence was instigated by ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League and Chhatra League activists who attacked a convoy of the National Citizen Party. Four were killed, and a misleading photo from 2024 protests was used to support the false narrative.
India Criticized for Unlawful Deportation of Bengali Muslims
India continues deporting Bengali-speaking Muslims to Bangladesh, many of whom are Indian citizens, by falsely labeling them as illegal immigrants, according to a Human Rights Watch report published on July 23. The organization condemned the expulsions. Bangladeshi border guards have returned at least 200 individuals after verifying their Indian citizenship.
Indian Media Spreads Misinformation on Bangladesh-Pakistan Visa Deal
July 25: Several Indian media outlets, including The Daily Jagran, India Today, and NDTV, circulated misleading claims suggesting that Bangladesh and Pakistan have agreed on a "visa-free entry" deal, raising concerns over ISI infiltration.
However, official statements from Bangladesh and credible local news sources confirm that no such agreement exists. The current discussions only involve potential on-arrival visas for diplomatic and official passport holders—a common diplomatic norm.
Hindu Homes Attacked in Rangpur After Teen’s Derogatory Facebook Post
July 26: A 17-year-old boy from Rangpur’s Gangachara upazila was arrested for allegedly posting derogatory remarks about the Prophet Muhammad (SM) on Facebook, reports local media.
Following the post, mobs attacked and vandalised at least 14 Hindu homes in Aldadpur Balapara village.
One affected local told the media: “We couldn’t recognize anyone. Outsiders came and carried out the attack.”
Another added, “There are 17 Muslims in our neighborhood—they would never do such a thing. It was outsiders who caused this incident.”
After visiting the area, Rangpur Deputy Commissioner Muhammad Rabiul Faisal, said 19 out of 22 affected families have remained at home, while three, including the accused Ranjan Kumar Roy’s family, are staying with relatives.
He confirmed that house repairs will begin immediately under joint district and upazila efforts.
Superintendent of Police Md Abu Saim said that those responsible are being identified and will face legal action.
About the Author:
Mohammed Raihan is a staff contributor to the Insighta. He writes on history, culture, language, economy and geopolitics, uncovering untold narratives that connect the past and present. He can be reached at mohammed_raihan@theinsighta.com
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