Bangladesh: An Unsafe Environment for Minorities

In recent weeks, several significant incidents in Bangladesh have created an atmosphere of uncertainty and fear for Hindus and other minorities in the country. This blog post is based on a ground report from Bangladesh, attempting to understand what the current situation is like for Hindus, Buddhists, Christians, and other minorities.

An Uncertain Environment for Minorities

Until last week, Anu Talukdar, a BA student in the capital city of Dhaka, actively participated in protests against the government of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Like many other students, she exercised her democratic rights, but today, her situation has changed. She now feels increasingly isolated and insecure.

Since Sheikh Hasina’s departure from power, over 200 incidents of violence against minorities have been reported across 52 districts in Bangladesh. These figures clearly indicate the alarming situation for minority communities in the country.

The Dire Situation in Comilla

Leaving Dhaka, we visited the town of Comilla, located near the Tripura border. Comilla is known for its history of communal violence. We went to the bike showroom of Bimal Chandra Dey. Bimal told us that he had gone to India for treatment before August 5th, and as soon as the news of Sheikh Hasina’s removal from power came, he asked his employees to close the showroom due to fear of violence. Unfortunately, his fears were justified. A mob, shouting slogans against Sheikh Hasina, attacked Bimal’s showroom, stole bikes, and then set the place on fire.

Attacks on Religious Institutions

The scope of the violence wasn’t limited to shops and showrooms. Incidents of vandalism and arson were also reported at the Christian Cooperative Credit Union office. The situation here was extremely grim, with burned documents, broken furniture, and shattered windows. These events reveal the deep roots of religious intolerance in Bangladesh.

Fear Among Minorities

The Hindu community living in and around Comilla shared that while they may not have been directly affected by the violence, their sense of insecurity has deepened. This fear has been heightened by recent events, reviving memories of past communal violence, especially the incidents of 2021.

Bangladesh: Secularism vs. Islamic State

Bangladesh’s situation reflects the ongoing struggle between being a religious and a secular state. The country’s constitution speaks of secularism, yet it also declares Bangladesh an Islamic nation. This contradiction creates deep divisions in the politics and society of Bangladesh.

Efforts to Protect Minorities

However, the situation is not entirely hopeless. The Home Minister has assured the safety of minorities at the Dhakeshwari Temple in the capital, Dhaka. On August 11, the Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council also staged a protest in Dhaka against the attacks on minorities.

The Role of the Internet and Social Media

Fake news and rumors spreading on social media are exacerbating the situation. Such misinformation has made the situation in Bangladesh even more tense, with attempts to incite violence through false information.

Returning to Normalcy

In some parts of Bangladesh, the situation is gradually returning to normal. Businesses, markets, and offices are slowly reopening. Efforts are being made in certain areas to maintain communal harmony. However, a sense of insecurity persists in rural areas.

Conclusion

The recent political changes in Bangladesh have raised serious concerns about the safety of minorities. The interim government must take strong measures to improve the current situation. Ensuring the rights and safety of Hindus, Christians, Buddhists, and other minorities requires strong political will. If Bangladesh is to become a prosperous and secure nation, the government must firmly uphold the foundation of secularism.