Speakers have expressed concern over the recent persecution of minority communities in Bangladesh.
They urgently called on the interim government to take immediate action to protect minorities and restore peace, as violence against religious and ethnic minorities has escalated since the August 5 uprising.
Speakers made these statements at the event on "Political Unity Needed for the Protection of Minority Human Rights" on Friday.
The event, held at the Dhaka Reporters' Unity (DRU), was organized by Bangladesh Minority Watch and the Human Rights Alliance, Bangladesh.
At the event, Zonayed Saki, the chief coordinator of the Ganosanghati Andolon, has accused the Awami League of using the issue of minority persecution in Bangladesh as a political maneuver to gain advantage.
Saki stated that attacks on the Hindu community were being deliberately portrayed as part of a political campaign, orchestrated by the ruling Awami League and certain sections of the Indian media.
Ganosanghati Andolon chief emphasized that this propaganda aimed to influence international audiences, including the United States, by portraying Bangladesh as a hotspot of minority persecution.
"This is a political move," Saki remarked.
"The objective is clear – to weaken the current government by portraying it as neglecting the protection of minorities. The Awami League is benefiting from this political game, and it is essential to expose this propaganda."
Saki pointed out that, while the previous government made efforts to include some members of the Hindu community in key positions—such as in law enforcement and government roles—this, he argued, did not translate into genuine improvement for the Hindu population at large.
"They tried to show the majority Hindu community was prospering, but in reality, this was not the case," he said.
"There have been repeated attempts to gain political leverage by creating incidents, including attacks on Hindu homes."
Calling for a new democratic movement, Saki stressed the need for a political force that truly embodies human rights, equality, and social justice.
"The Awami League does not represent this force," he said, emphasizing the importance of building a political power that genuinely works to protect all citizens.
Saki also urged for a broader recognition of the struggles faced by marginalized communities, mentioning: "The revolution should be seen as an achievement by all communities, including Bengali, Chakma, Marma, and others. We call on the government to ensure the rights and dignity of every citizen, including minorities, are upheld."
The event highlighted the ongoing violence against minority communities in Bangladesh, particularly after the popular uprising on August 5, 2024. Recent incidents of minority persecution were linked to both political motivations and religious intolerance. According to a report by Prothom Alo, 1,068 minority-owned homes and businesses were attacked between August 5 and 20, with 506 of these linked to the ruling Awami League's politics.
Historically, such attacks on religious minorities have spiked following political shifts, including the major assaults on Hindus during the 1992 and 2001 political upheavals. The discussion emphasized that such violence is not only politically motivated but also a means of land and property acquisition.
Advocate Rabindra Ghosh called on Dr Muhammad Yunus, the interim government's chief adviser, to take immediate action to stop communal violence and ensure the protection of minorities.
He stressed the need for a comprehensive analysis of these attacks, focusing on their political, social, and strategic contexts.
Nagorik Oikya Convener Mahmudur Rahman Manna underlined the importance of unity in the face of sectarian violence, stating that only a collective effort can bring about lasting change and protect the rights of all citizens.
Professor Robayet Ferdous highlighted the international implications of the violence, noting that Bangladesh’s reputation is at stake if these issues are not addressed urgently.
Dr Mostafizur Rahman Iran stressed that the ongoing violence is an assault on justice and democracy, and it is essential that the state take immediate responsibility to protect minorities and ensure their safety.
Manik Chandra Sarker, the secretary general of Bangladesh Minority Watch, expressed concern over the 205 incidents of persecution against minorities, stressing that they feel increasingly insecure and are forced to guard their homes and temples at night.
He demanded that those responsible for these attacks be held accountable.
Human Rights Alliance Bangladesh's convener, Mahbubul Haque, lamented the lack of effective steps to end minority persecution, stressing that the country's heritage and national assets are being destroyed.
