Following the resignation and flight of dictator Sheikh Hasina to India on August 5, a surge of misinformation has inundated social media, with some Indian outlets amplifying these unverified claims.

Reports have circulated alleging widespread attacks on Hindu temples and properties in various regions of Bangladesh. However, a comprehensive investigation by The Mirror Asia reveals that most of these claims are unsubstantiated and appear to be part of a broader disinformation campaign.

Contrary to the narrative pushed by certain Indian media outlets, the Hindu community in Bangladesh has voiced concerns that these reports serve the interests of Sheikh Hasina.

The Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Welfare Front condemned the media portrayal as “ill-motivated and concocted,” questioning the authenticity of the images and videos circulated to support these claims.

In the wake of Hasina's ouster, reports of attacks on religious minorities surfaced in Barishal's Agailjhara Upazila and Madaripur's Kalkini Upazila—regions with significant Hindu populations.

Yet, local residents, including Hindus, have largely dismissed these allegations as baseless rumors. Bishnupada Saha, a longtime trader in Agailjhara, told The Mirror Asia, "The incidents of attacks and robberies are incorrect. Those targeted were involved in Awami League politics, not because of their religious affiliation."

Saha further explained that under Hasina's rule, opposition activists had been forced into hiding, with many only recently returning home after years of exile.

Conversely, Awami League members, particularly those from minority groups, have fled the region, and no significant attacks have been occurred.

Sambhu Sheel, a local barber, corroborated this account, saying, "We received no threats. Those who were involved in Awami League politics and who misappropriated public funds have fled."

Ankur Debnath of Kalkini echoed these sentiments, adding, "Those making allegations now were the ones who intimidated us before."

In Munshiganj district, an Awami League leader speaking anonymously to The Mirror Asia disclosed that properties previously occupied by Awami Leage leaders are being reclaimed by their rightful owners. "People are reclaiming the buildings that were illegally occupied.”

Former Sriramkathi Union Chairman Uttam Moitra, an Awami League activist, highlighted the newfound sense of freedom in his area since Hasina's fall.

"I have not heard of any attacks in Nazirpur Upazila since August 5. Locals who had been oppressed are reclaiming lands and houses taken by Rezaul Karim and his brother Shaheen," he said. Moitra also alleged that some supporters of Rezaul Karim might be staging attacks to gain political leverage.

Bijon Kanti Sarkar, President of the Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Welfare Front, said that his organization is closely monitoring the situation, maintaining regular contact with leaders of religious minorities across the country. He urged the Indian media to verify information thoroughly before broadcasting such reports.