Minority groups face violence and mistreatment in Bangladesh following government collapse
ICARO Media Group
In the aftermath of the government's collapse in Bangladesh earlier this month, members of minority groups have come forward to share their experiences of violence and mistreatment. Speaking to Fox News Digital under false names due to fear of reprisal, individuals from Hindu, Ahmadiya, Buddhist, and Christian communities shed light on the alarming situation unfolding in the country.
According to the accounts provided, violence against minority groups has escalated since the overthrow of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's government, which was preceded by violent protests. Bangladesh, a country where 90% of the population is Muslim, hosts a diverse range of religious communities, including Christians, Hindus, and Buddhists.
Sathya, a Hindu residing in Chittagong, acknowledged that while the Hasina government may not have been perfect towards the Hindu minority, they experienced comparably better treatment than under previous administrations. However, he expressed concerns over cases of land-grabbing targeting Hindu homes and temples. Indian outlet the Deccan Herald reported that 278 Hindu-owned locations have been ransacked since Hasina fled the country. Sathya also revealed that Hindu-owned properties were invaded by squatters, with little assistance from the government or legal system to protect their land rights.
Even within the Muslim community, the Ahmadiya sect has faced persecution from the Sunni majority, who label them as "heretics." Ali, a member of the Ahmadiya sect, expressed that their group has increasingly become a target, much like the Hindus and other religious minorities.
The deteriorating situation has left many Bangladeshi citizens worried about their safety and the lack of law and order. One individual, now residing in the U.S. and preferring to remain anonymous, highlighted the lack of response from the government when targeted violence occurs. He emphasized the need for vigilance, particularly at night, to safeguard their homes from raids and looting.
Rajarshi, speaking on behalf of the Buddhist community, voiced his frustration regarding the silence of the rest of the world amid the crisis faced by non-Sunni groups. He questioned the relevance of independence from Pakistan if they are now being excluded from their own country.
Although Christians make up a small minority in Bangladesh, they also face severe persecution. Open Doors, an organization that monitors discrimination against Christians globally, ranked Bangladesh as having "very high" levels of persecution. Converts to Christianity reportedly encounter significant restrictions, discrimination, and attacks. Consequently, many gather in small house churches to minimize the risk of violence.
Meanwhile, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his concern about the situation, stating that he had discussed the ongoing crisis with Bangladesh's interim leader, Professor Muhammad Yunus. Modi assured support for a democratic, stable, peaceful, and progressive Bangladesh, pledging protection and security for Hindus and all minorities.
International pressure on Bangladesh has varied, with reports suggesting that the United States eased criticism of the Hasina government at the request of India's Modi administration. The U.S. State Department noted its commitment to democracy and human rights but refrained from commenting on private diplomatic exchanges.
In response to the situation, Shaina Nana Chudasama, spokesperson for Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), emphasized the desire for peace and the well-being of all Bangladeshis, irrespective of their religious affiliations. The spokesperson underlined the importance of protecting the rights of minorities, acknowledging the impact that refugees from Bangladesh have had on India's economy.
Despite the challenges, the plight of minority groups in Bangladesh remains a critical concern, both domestically and internationally. Efforts to address the violence, discrimination, and mistreatment faced by religious minorities are crucial for the preservation of a diverse and inclusive society.