The Plight of Religious and Ethnic Minorities in Bangladesh
Every year, the Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council (BHBCUC) releases its annual report on violence against religious and ethnic minorities in Bangladesh. The latest report paints a grim picture, documenting over 1,000 cases of human rights violations and the tragic deaths of 45 individuals from minority communities.
The persecution of ethnic and religious minorities in Bangladesh persists, with little to no justice for the victims and perpetrators enjoying impunity. The Muslim-majority nation has seen a staggering 1,045 cases of human rights violations against minorities, according to the BHBCUC’s findings based on media reports from July 2023 to June 2024.
45 Lives Lost, Countless Others Suffering
During the reporting period, 45 members of minority communities were brutally murdered, with 10 surviving attempted murders and 36 receiving death threats. The violence extended to 479 individuals who were physically attacked, abused, or extorted. Shockingly, there were 25 cases of gang rapes, 12 incidents of abduction or forced conversion, and 8 wrongful arrests on charges of blasphemy. Additionally, homes and businesses belonging to minority communities faced 102 attacks, vandalism, looting, and arson.
The BHBCUC’s report highlights the alarming trend of land grabbing and encroachment, often orchestrated by political parties and government agencies. Over 70% of the violence is attributed to disputes over land ownership, leading to forced evictions and threats against minority communities.
Call for Action and Protection
At a press conference unveiling the report, BHBCUC secretary general Rana Dasgupta emphasized the organized nature of the violence, driven by extremist groups infiltrating various sectors of society. Minority communities feel increasingly insecure and marginalized, prompting many to seek refuge abroad. The dwindling minority population in Bangladesh reflects this harsh reality, with an 8.6% representation compared to 19% before the war of independence in 1971.
The BHBCUC chairman, Nirmol Rozario, urged the government to fulfill its promises of creating a national minority commission and enacting laws to safeguard minority rights. He emphasized that the persecution of faith minorities can be curbed through concrete actions and policy changes.
As Bangladesh grapples with these challenges, the need for greater protection of religious and ethnic minorities cannot be ignored. The latest census figures underscore the diverse religious landscape of the country, emphasizing the importance of upholding the rights of all citizens, regardless of their faith.
