Dhaka, June 1: Following the recent elections in Bangladesh, there has been a notable increase in violence against religious and ethnic minorities. Reports from various human rights organizations and groups associated with the Christian community indicate a rise in attacks on Christians and Hindus, particularly in areas where the Jamaat-e-Islami party holds significant influence.
Organizations like Open Doors UK and Ireland have stated that violence against minorities in Bangladesh was already on the rise, but it has escalated further after the elections.
According to reports, since the first elections held in February after the ousting of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, members of the Christian and Hindu communities have reported a surge in attacks. Notably, incidents targeting converts from Islam to Christianity have been documented.
The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) emerged victorious in the elections, while Jamaat-e-Islami secured nearly one-third of the votes.
The report also highlighted an incident at the St. Eugene de Mazenod Church in Dhaka, where a Catholic priest was robbed of his passport and cash, and assaulted. Community leaders have noted that areas influenced by Jamaat-e-Islami have seen a higher frequency of violent incidents.
Since the February elections, over 50 incidents have been reported. In March, Hindu and Christian leaders protested in Dhaka, demanding that the BNP government ensure the safety of minorities.
Meanwhile, the France-based human rights organization Justice Makers Bangladesh (JMBF) has expressed deep concern over incidents of violence against religious and ethnic minorities and tribal communities in Bangladesh between January and April.
Citing a report from the Human Rights Congress for Bangladeshi Minorities, JMBF stated that a total of 505 incidents were recorded across 62 districts in all eight administrative divisions of the country. These incidents included murder, suspicious deaths, physical assaults, kidnappings, sexual violence, attacks on temples and religious institutions, land grabs, arson, robbery, threats, and incidents of blasphemy.
The report indicated that there were 95 recorded attacks on temples and religious idols in 43 districts, while 28 cases of sexual violence, including rape and gang rape, were reported in 23 districts. Additionally, six cases related to blasphemy were noted in six districts.
Shahnur Islam, founder and president of JMBF, stated that these incidents reflect the growing intolerance, discrimination, and institutional failures in Bangladesh, posing a serious challenge to human rights, equality, secularism, and the rule of law.
The organization has called on the Bangladeshi government to establish an independent judicial commission to investigate all incidents fairly, hold perpetrators accountable, and provide security, compensation, and rehabilitation for victims. They have also urged the formation of a minority protection law and an independent minority commission to safeguard the rights of religious and ethnic minorities.
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