Given that tensions have been flaring up over the Rohingya crisis, the government has increased the presence of law enforcement around Buddhist temples.
There are around 1.7 million Buddhists in Bangladesh, most of whom live in the greater Chittagong area. Speaking to some community leaders in Dhaka, Chittagong and three districts of Chittagong Hill Tracts, the Dhaka Tribune has found that most of them are satisfied by the government’s initiative to protect them but are also scared of communal violence flaring up.
Last week, a Buddhist monk, wearing a traditional orange robe, was heading to Chittagong on a CNG. When he arrived at the outskirts of the city, in Modunaghat, locals forced him out of the vehicle and started verbally harassing him about what was happening in Myanmar, before he was rescued by passersby.
Some of the Buddhist community leaders said that this was because there has been some fake news circulating online about Bangladeshi Buddhists and that is instigating violence towards them.
Bangladesh Police Headquarters Assistant Inspector General (Media and Public Relation) Shahely Ferdous said the Buddhist community does not need to be worried: “We have already deployed additional security personnel to every Buddhist in the country after the Rohingya crisis began.
“All the police stations have been instructed to tell locals that the Rohingya crisis is a Myanmarese problem, so that no one can use this crisis to incite communal violence. Police are on high alert to ensure communal harmony.”
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Even though there has been increased vigilance around the country, there have been several instances of harassment of the Buddhist community, making them very nervous.
Chairman of Pali Department at Chittagong University Professor Dr Jinobodhi Bhikkhu told Dhaka Tribune that there have been several reported incidents of Buddhist monks being harassed in Chittagong, Jessore and Khagrachhari.
“Although the police have taken steps towards our security, we cannot help but be scared. It may sound paranoid, but we are very, very afraid,” the professor said.
Dr Jinobodhi said this was because of how many people express strong feeling of retaliation against the Bangladeshi Buddhist community as revenge for what is happening to the Rohingya in Myanmar.
“The ongoing persecution against the Rohingya in Myanmar is simply barbaric. Any sort of persecution is against the teachings of Lord Buddha. The Buddhist people living in Bangladesh are peace-loving and believe in communal harmony and peaceful co-existence,” he said.
Bangladesh Buddhist Association Chairman Ajit Ranjan Barua said: “Law enforcement agencies and civil society are standing with us which makes us feel safe, but on the other hand when we see violence inciting posts on social media, we get scared for our safety.”
Remembering the violence that happened in Ramu, Cox’s Bazar in 2012, Sudip Barua, secretary general of Bangladesh Buddhist Association, said: “We are more worried about our monks and students who wear the easily identifiable orange robe who would be singled out and be subjected to violence.”
Thursday, June 04, 2026
