Shrinking Space

Bangladesh represents a unique case of how a state founded on the principle of secularism soon abandoned the same to embrace Islam as the state religion. Bangladesh began its constitutional journey in 1972, recognising secularism along with nationalism, democracy, and socialism as core foundational principles of the state and its legal system. Though the constitution did not recognise any special safeguards for minorities, it contained multiple provisions, especially the fundamental rights guarantees, which were considered vital for safeguarding their interests and rights

- The writer is Aftab Alam Professor and Chairman, Department of Strategic and Security Studies at Aligarh Muslim University

The experience of minorities around the world suggests a pattern of discrimination and insecurity. They are even subjected to genocide and denied dignity, identities, and cultures. Bangladesh is no exception, where minorities form roughly 9 per cent of its 170-million population.

The recent reported attacks on religious minorities in Bangladesh after the fall of Sheikh Hasina's Awami League government on August 5 have reignited debates on minority rights in the country. The arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das, a Hindu monk, on sedition charges and later denial of bail to him has amplified concerns about the treatment of minorities in the country.

The violent protests against Sheikh Hasina's government had begun in July, in response to the reinstatement of a quota system by the High Court that reserves 30 per cent of government jobs for children of freedom fighters of the 1971 War of Independence. With rising unemployment and high demand for government jobs, the quota was perceived by students as favouring supporters of the Awami League party. Though the Supreme Court eventually reduced this quota to 5 per cent, the protests continued unabated, demanding justice for those who were killed, injured, and arrested during the protest.

According to a United Nations (UN) Human Rights Office report, nearly 400 people were reportedly killed between July 16 and August 4, while around 250 deaths were reported following the new wave of protests between August 5 and 6.

The protesters forced Sheikh Hasina to resign as Prime Minister on August 5. She fled to India about an hour before mobs stormed her official residence. This was followed by the formation of an interim government on August 8 headed by Nobel Laureate Dr. Muhammad Yunus and backed by the army. The caretaker government also enjoys the support of the protesting students, opposition leaders, civil society organisations, and advocacy groups.