Minority Leaders in Bangladesh Protest Rising Post-Election Communal Attacks

Leaders of religious minority communities in Bangladesh formed a human chain outside the National Press Club in Dhaka on March 13, demanding urgent government action after more than 50 incidents of communal violence were reported nationwide following the recent national elections.

Representatives from Hindu, Buddhist, Christian, and indigenous communities urged the newly formed government to restore law and order and ensure the protection of minorities.

The demonstration was jointly organized by the Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity
Council and the Minority Unity Front.

Subrata Hazra, Joint Secretary General of the Bangladesh Christian Association,  said minority communities were once again forced to protest for their basic safety soon after the elections. He noted that many had hoped for a fresh start under the new administration that emerged from the country’s recent anti-discrimination movement, but those expectations had yet to materialize.

Hazra warned that the situation remained alarming, citing incidents that included killings, sexual violence, attacks on temples and homes, and land grabbing targeting indigenous families. He called on the government and state authorities to take swift action and ensure exemplary punishment for those responsible.

Speakers also referred to recent attacks across different regions, including the gang rape of a woman returning from a religious festival in Tajumuddin. Other incidents were reported in Chittagong, Bogura, Cox’s Bazar, Mymensingh, Jessore, and Gaibandha.

Addressing the gathering, Gono Forum President Subrata Chowdhury questioned whether the month-old government had begun serious work to address the violence. He welcomed Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s pledge to build the country as a “Rainbow Nation,” where all communities enjoy equal rights, but stressed the need for justice for victims of political and communal violence.

Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council General Secretary, Manindra Kumar Nath, said more than 50 attacks on minorities had occurred within weeks of the elections. These included killings, vandalism of temples, and the grabbing of tribal land.

He noted that minority communities had supported the anti-discrimination movement that led to political change and now expected the government to uphold equality, justice, and security for all citizens.