Once more, Bangladesh grapples with religious tension and violence. This situation is a consequence of its intricate historical and socio-political baggage. During times of political unrest in Bangladesh, minorities are frequently made the scapegoats. In the post-independence era, Bangladesh has witnessed several instances of political instability that have resulted in violent acts specifically targeting minority communities. The persecution of Hindus during this period can be explained by a mix of factors, such as religious intolerance, economic rivalry, and the ambition of certain factions to establish dominance.
Before going further, let me make this clear that it is not just Hindus who are targeted. Violence against secular individuals and ethnic minorities in Bangladesh has been a persistent issue. This highlights the country's complex challenges in terms of religious extremism, ethnic tensions, and human rights.
Secularists led the 2013 Shahbagh Movement for justice against war criminals from the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War. This triggered a violent backlash from extremist groups. In February 2013, Ahmed Rajib Haider, a secular blogger involved in the protests, was brutally murdered in Dhaka, marking the beginning of a series of attacks on freethinkers.
The violence escalated in the following years. In 2015, several prominent secular figures were targeted. Avijit Roy, a Bangladeshi-American atheist blogger, was killed in Dhaka while leaving a book fair. His wife was also injured in the attack. Ananta Bijoy Das, an opponent of religious extremism, was hacked to death in Sylhet. Niloy Neel, another secular blogger, was murdered in his Dhaka apartment.
The wave of violence continued into 2016, with the killing of Xulhaz Mannan, an LGBT rights activist and editor of Bangladesh’s only LGBT magazine, along with his friend Mahbub Rabbi Tanoy. These attacks were often claimed by extremist groups, highlighting the growing threat to freedom of expression and minority rights in the country.
Simultaneously, ethnic minorities in Bangladesh, particularly the Chakma people in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, have faced relentless violence and displacement. The roots of this conflict trace back to the 1960s when the construction of the Kaptai Dam led to the displacement of thousands of Chakmas. The situation worsened in the 1970s when the government began resettling Bengali Muslims in the Chittagong Hills. In February 2010, Chakma villages in the Baghaihat area were attacked by Bengali settlers, reportedly with support from security forces. Homes were burned, and several Chakmas were killed or injured. In June 2017, a similar attack occurred in the Langadu area, forcing many Chakmas to flee their homes. The Chakmas and other indigenous groups in the Chittagong Hills continue to face land grabs and displacement, with little recourse to justice. The military presence in the region has also been a source of tension, with indigenous communities reporting human rights abuses.
How and Why Were Hindus Targeted?
The removal of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has led to a surge in violence directed towards the Hindu minority in the country. Hasina’s secular government protected minority communities and fought against religious extremism. Extremist groups targeted vulnerable Hindus because of the power vacuum caused by her departure. These groups see minorities as obstacles to their vision of a homogeneous society. Targeting Hindus reflects ongoing communal tensions.
The acts of violence against Hindus after Hasina’s removal were carried out in different ways, all of which aimed to create fear and maintain a sense of insecurity within the minority community.
Vandalism and Looting
Vandalism and looting of Hindu households, businesses, and temples have been among the most common forms of violence. According to reports, there have been multiple incidents of attacks on Hindu homes and businesses, with an estimated range of 200-300 affected. Around 15-20 temples are reported to have been damaged. These are not random acts of violence but seem to be a deliberate and coordinated campaign aimed at intimidating the Hindu community and asserting dominance over their economic and religious domains.
Physical Attacks
Apart from the widespread vandalism and looting, there have been multiple incidents of physical violence against people. The violence has affected at least 52 of the 64 districts in Bangladesh. This indicates a widespread and coordinated effort to target Hindus across the country.
Community Resilience
The Hindu community in Bangladesh has exhibited incredible resilience in the face of violence. Leaders such as Rana Dasgupta have persisted in their battle against communal violence and helped the families affected by it. The ability of the Hindu community in Bangladesh to endure and overcome challenges is a testament to their strength and determination.
The Historical Context: Hindus in Bangladesh Since 1947
In the pre-partition Bengal, Hindus were about 30% of the population. They played an active role in the region’s cultural, economic, and political aspects, enriching the Bengali society. However, India’s partition on religious grounds caused widespread violence and displacement, triggering a substantial migration of Hindus from East Bengal (now Bangladesh) to India.
The division of India was a significant turning point for Hindus in Bengal. Political forces promoting an Islamic identity held sway in the newly formed state of Pakistan, which included East Bengal. The Hindu community was marginalized, leading to feelings of insecurity. The Hindus suffered additional vulnerability as they lost their properties and businesses during this time.
Bangladesh Liberation War (1971)
The Bangladesh Liberation War of 1971 was crucial in shaping the region’s history. The war, which resulted in the liberation of Bangladesh from Pakistan, witnessed horrific acts against Hindus, including murder, rape, and forced religious conversions. An enormous mass of Bangladeshi Hindus took refuge in India. But many preferred to go back to the newly independent Bangladesh.
Post-Independence Challenges (1971-Present)
Despite the initial intention of promoting secularism in Bangladesh’s constitution, Hindus have persistently encountered discrimination, social alienation, and economic marginalization. The safety and security of Hindu places of worship and individuals are at risk due to targeted attacks. There have been reports of Hindu women being forcibly converted to Islam, sometimes with the use of threats and violence.
The Decline of the Hindu Population
The Hindu population in Bangladesh has been steadily declining since the country’s independence. There are multiple reasons for this decline, such as people leaving the country, decreased birth rates, and conversions. The declining Hindu population in Bangladesh mirrors the continuous struggles faced by the community in preserving their cultural and religious heritage. The future of the Hindu community in Bangladesh is still uncertain, and some several significant challenges and concerns require attention.
The Role of India and the International Community
The global community has a vital part to play in promoting religious freedom and human rights in Bangladesh. Diplomatic pressure and support to civil society organizations that work to protect minorities, can foster an environment that upholds religious tolerance and equality. It is important for international organizations and human rights groups to persistently observe the situation in Bangladesh and work towards safeguarding the rights of minorities.
The Indian government faces a complex situation in protecting Hindus in Bangladesh. They must ensure that Indian actions are not perceived as interference in the internal affairs of Bangladesh. They must act carefully to avoid increasing tensions while addressing the concerns of the Hindu minority.
The government of India could engage in diplomatic talks with Bangladesh, urging them to better protect minorities and bring perpetrators of violence to justice. India could also raise the issue in international fora and work on updating bilateral agreements to include minority protection provisions.
Humanitarian assistance could be offered to displaced Hindus, including shelter, medical care, and food supplies. India might also help Bangladesh build its capacity to protect minorities through training programs for law enforcement and civil society organizations.
India could use its cultural ties with Bangladesh to promote religious tolerance through exchanges and partnerships.
Economic leverage might be used, linking trade agreements or aid to actions protecting minorities. India could also offer development assistance to regions affected by communal violence.
Granting asylum or creating legal pathways for persecuted Hindus to migrate to India could be considered, though this would need careful management. Enhanced security cooperation, including intelligence sharing and training for Bangladeshi forces, could help prevent violence against minorities.
Establishing a permanent dialogue mechanism between India and Bangladesh focused on minority rights could ensure ongoing attention. India might also engage the global Hindu diaspora to advocate for the rights of Hindus in Bangladesh and raise international awareness.
India’s approach to protecting Hindus in Bangladesh must be carefully thought out, considering the current global climate and India’s role as a responsible regional leader. In today’s world, with tensions high because of conflicts in places like the Middle East and Ukraine, India needs to act wisely to avoid worsening any regional or global instability. India’s actions should be rooted in its traditions of liberal democracy and its role as a stabilizing force in South Asia.
India’s overall goal should be to protect vulnerable communities while maintaining regional stability and relations with Bangladesh. India has an opportunity to promote a culture of religious tolerance and minority rights across South Asia, which would be a significant contribution to regional peace. With its rich Gandhian and Nehruvian liberal-secular traditions, India can re-establish its credentials as a veritable paragon of religious tolerance and harmonious coexistence. Thus, India can ensure the safety of Hindus in Bangladesh without causing further instability. This approach will underscore India’s commitment to democratic values and its aspirations as a responsible global power. It will demonstrate that it can protect vulnerable communities while contributing to broader regional and global peace.
This will not only reinforce its moral power but also regain its status as the Voice of Sanity in a world going mad.
Bangladesh is Primarily Responsible
Let us not forget that violence in Bangladesh is a complex issue that extends beyond any single group, encompassing various segments of society. While Hindu minorities have often been in the spotlight due to targeted attacks, the problem is far more widespread, affecting political dissidents, secular voices, journalists, and other religious and ethnic minorities.
The Government of Bangladesh bears the primary responsibility for addressing violence in the country. This violence affects not only Hindus but also political opponents. Supporters of the ruling party and state forces often harass and attack these groups, creating an atmosphere of fear and suppression.
To ensure the safety and equal rights of Hindus in Bangladesh, a multi-faceted approach is necessary. Strengthening law enforcement and judicial systems is crucial to combat religious intolerance and violence. The government must actively protect minorities and hold perpetrators accountable.
Promoting interfaith dialogue and understanding is vital for creating a more inclusive society. Community leaders, civil society organizations, and the government can work together to foster dialogue and mutual respect among different religious communities.
Addressing socioeconomic disparities is also important. Many Hindus, especially those from marginalized communities, face poverty and lack access to education and healthcare. Implementing economic development and social welfare programs in minority communities can help reduce their vulnerability to discrimination and violence.
These issues underscore the complex challenges Bangladesh faces in protecting minority rights, ensuring freedom of expression, and maintaining ethnic harmony. Addressing these problems requires a multifaceted approach that tackles religious extremism, promotes inclusivity, and ensures equal rights and protection for all citizens, regardless of their beliefs or ethnic background.
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