The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) has expressed grave concerns over the worsening state of religious freedom in Bangladesh. In its annual report released yesterday, the commission highlighted increasing violence against Hindus, Ahmadiyya Muslims, and Rohingya refugees, raising serious doubts about the government’s ability to protect minority communities.
Key Findings from the USCIRF Report
In Bangladesh, following the political shifts and violent protests in July and August, attacks on minority communities, particularly Hindus and Ahmadiyya Muslims, have increased. Hindu organizations have alleged a rise in temple vandalism and mob violence, resulting in the deaths of over a hundred people. However, it is believed that political motives, rather than religious reasons, are primarily responsible for these attacks.
The report also notes that interim government leader Muhammad Yunus has faced disinformation campaigns through media and social platforms. Despite promises of minority protection, pressure on religious groups has intensified. Recently, two High Court judges called for the death penalty in blasphemy cases, while Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina sparked controversy by alleging a conspiracy to establish a “Christian state.”
In November, Hindu spiritual leader Chinmoy Krishna Das was arrested on sedition charges for allegedly disrespecting the Bangladeshi flag. Clashes following his arrest led to the death of a Muslim lawyer. That same month, nearly 30,000 Hindus protested, demanding government protection.
Meanwhile, Rohingya refugees in Cox’s Bazar camps face religious desecration and communal violence. As violence escalates in Myanmar, thousands more Rohingya are fleeing to Bangladesh. In October, Bangladesh’s caretaker government urged the creation of a safe zone in Myanmar’s Rakhine State and faster repatriation for Rohingya refugees.
The USCIRF report underscores the urgent need for stronger protections for religious minorities in Bangladesh amid rising intolerance and state inaction.
USCIRF’s Full Report
The USCIRF report states:
“Religious freedom conditions in Bangladesh declined amid a series of attacks against religious minority communities. Following a violent crackdown on protests that resulted in 200 deaths and the removal of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Hindu groups claimed an increase in attacks against their communities and temples. These attacks included vandalism and mob violence. Simultaneously, traditional and social media proliferated false or unsupported claims of violence to discredit the interim caretaker government led by Mohamed Yunus. Hundreds of Hindus were reportedly killed in the violence following Prime Minister Hasina’s departure, though reporting suggests the killings were likely related to political affiliation rather than religion. Ahmadiyya Muslim communities also reported physical attacks and vandalism to their property. In response to these and other incidents, the caretaker government expressed its intention to protect minority communities.
Despite those government pledges, systematic pressure on religious minorities continued to generally worsen. Prior to the July protests, two judges of the Bangladesh High Court expressed support for harsher punishments for blasphemy, including capital punishment. Prime Minister Hasina further issued controversial statements suggesting that Christians in the country were plotting to carve out a ‘Christian state’ from parts of Bangladesh and Myanmar. In November, police charged a Hindu priest, Chinmoy Krishna Das, with sedition charges for denigrating Bangladesh’s flag while demonstrating for the protection of Hindus. The arrest sparked clashes between thousands of Das’s supporters and police, resulting in the death of a Muslim lawyer. The same month, an estimated 30,000 Hindus gathered demanding government protection from attacks and harassment.
Throughout the year, predominantly Muslim Rohingya refugees from neighboring Burma also continued to face severe threats, including reported mob violence and desecration of religious materials within their camps in Cox’s Bazar. Increased fighting in Burma forced thousands more Rohingya to seek refuge in Bangladesh. In October, Bangladesh’s caretaker government called on the UN to establish a safe zone in Burma’s Rakhine State to allow internally displaced Rohingya to receive aid in place, calling for expedited resettlement.”
Government’s Role in Minority Protection Under Scrutiny
The recent USCIRF report has raised serious concerns about Bangladesh’s ability to ensure religious tolerance and protect minority rights. Despite the government’s commitments, the lack of effective measures to prevent violence has heightened international alarm. While Bangladesh’s constitution guarantees religious freedom, doubts persist about its implementation in practice.
However, the USCIRF report does not include Bangladesh in its list of “Countries of Particular Concern” (CPC) or the “Special Watch List” for minority persecution. Countries on these lists face recommendations for sanctions, visa restrictions, or aid cuts.
The CPC list includes:
China, India, Pakistan, Myanmar, Afghanistan, Vietnam, Saudi Arabia, Russia, Cuba, Eritrea, Nicaragua, Nigeria, North Korea, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Iran.
Meanwhile, the Special Watch List of USCIRF highlights nations with significant minority persecution, such as:
Algeria, Azerbaijan, Egypt, Indonesia, Iraq, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Syria, Uzbekistan, and Turkey.
The U.S. report recommends strict actions—including sanctions, visa limitations, and cutting financial aid—against countries like India, Pakistan, and Myanmar to curb minority oppression.
Publication Date: 29 March, 2025
Sources: newagebd, thesun24, USCIRF Report
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