New Delhi, 27 June 2025: The Rights and Risks Analysis Group (RRAG) has called on the Government of India to take a stronger stand following the demolition of the Durga Temple in Dhaka, urging a complete disengagement with the current Interim Government of Bangladesh led by Dr Mohammad Yunus until a new, democratically elected government takes office.
In a press release, RRAG noted that statements of condemnation by India’s Ministry of External Affairs regarding attacks on religious minorities, such as the latest demolition of the Durga Temple, have become routine. The group emphasized that stronger action is needed, especially given the constitutional status of the current regime.
According to RRAG Director Suhas Chakma, “On 17 December 2024, the High Court of Bangladesh restored the 13th Amendment to the Constitution, permitting a caretaker government for only 90 days. However, the tenure of the current Interim Government expired on 16 March 2025, making its continuation unconstitutional. India’s ongoing engagement with Dr Yunus’s administration is lending legitimacy to an illegal regime and discourages the international community from taking a clear stand in support of democratic elections in Bangladesh. This situation poses a threat to regional peace and security.”
Despite its lack of constitutional authority, Dr Yunus’s Interim Government has remained in power and has suppressed opposition, including from the Bangladesh National Party (BNP), following a meeting with BNP Acting Chairperson Tariq Zia in London on 13 June 2025. The administration has also been criticized for using so-called reform commissions to prolong its rule, despite lacking the authority to implement reforms without an elected parliament. Notably, Dr Yunus established the National Consensus Commission on 13 February 2025, and on 26 June 2025, set up another commission to “investigate allegations raised regarding the last three national parliamentary elections and make recommendations for future elections.”
Mr Chakma added, “It is now clear that these reform commissions are the main instrument allowing the Interim Government to retain power. Dr Yunus appears prepared to announce new commissions as needed to maintain his position.”
The RRAG also expressed concern over continued attacks on minorities—including Hindus and indigenous peoples of the Chittagong Hill Tracts—under the current administration, as well as the repression of opposition parties and independent media. The Interim Government, facing opposition mainly from the BNP, has received support from Jamaat-e-Islami and the National Citizen Party (NCP). The regime has been accused of downplaying attacks on minorities as ordinary crimes, banning organizations such as the Chhatra League and the Awami League, and persecuting journalists and political opponents. RRAG highlighted the murder of at least 123 Awami League members (from 5 August 2024 to 30 April 2025), criminal cases against over 500,000 political opponents, the dissolution of the NHRC, and over 2,000 reported attacks on minorities in August 2024 alone.
The RRAG cautioned that India’s interests in Bangladesh require particular vigilance. The continued engagement with the current regime not only risks undermining India’s position but could endanger the safety and future of religious minorities, indigenous communities, and political opponents vulnerable to rising Islamic fundamentalism. “These implications are hard to imagine and these are not matters of conjecture but realities of the day,” Mr Chakma stated. The group urged India to adopt a more cautious policy in its dealings until democracy is restored in Bangladesh.
