Shrinking Space
The Statesman|December 25, 2024
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.
Shrinking Space

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 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.

This story is from the December 25, 2024 edition of The Statesman.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the December 25, 2024 edition of The Statesman.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM THE STATESMANView All
The Statesman

Relief to KCR, Harish Raoas T’gana HC suspends notices

In a relief to former Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao and former Minister T. Harish Rao, the High Court on Tuesday suspended the notices issued by a lower court in a case related to the damages caused to the Medigadda barrage, a part of Kaleshwaram Project.

time-read
1 min  |
December 25, 2024
The Statesman

Cong moves SC over amendment in Conduct of Election Rules

Congress leader Jairam Ramesh on Tuesday informed that the party has filed a writ petition in the Supreme Court (SC) challenging the recent amendment made in the Conduct of Election Rules.

time-read
1 min  |
December 25, 2024
Allu Arjun interrogated on Hyderabad stampede
The Statesman

Allu Arjun interrogated on Hyderabad stampede

The Pushpa actor was questioned atthe Chikkadpally police station

time-read
1 min  |
December 25, 2024
The Statesman

Sign of progress

SIR, The recent increase in tax collection in India presents a clear example of economic progress and administrative reforms.

time-read
1 min  |
December 25, 2024
The Statesman

Jobs Creation

India, a nation with over 1.4 billion people, faces a formidable challenge: generating approximately 10 million new jobs annually to cater to its burgeoning youth population.

time-read
2 mins  |
December 25, 2024
Shrinking Space
The Statesman

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.

time-read
5 mins  |
December 25, 2024
The Statesman

Mandhana eyes double top spot in ICC rankings

India's star opener Smriti Mandhana is within touching distance of top spot of both the Twenty20 International (T20I) and One Day International (ODI) batting rankings after strong performances against the West Indies across both formats.

time-read
1 min  |
December 25, 2024
Rewind 2024: Historic Paris bronze marks resurgence of Indian hockey; HIL returns
The Statesman

Rewind 2024: Historic Paris bronze marks resurgence of Indian hockey; HIL returns

A historic second consecutive Olympic medal after a hiatus of five decades marked the resurgence of hockey in the country, which also witnessed the revival of the much-awaited Hockey India League (HIL) after seven years.

time-read
2 mins  |
December 25, 2024
MCG Test: Rohit keeps batting order in wraps
The Statesman

MCG Test: Rohit keeps batting order in wraps

India skipper maintains pall of secrecy on playing order

time-read
2 mins  |
December 25, 2024
'A lapse on my part': Manu Bhaker breaks silence on Khel Ratna row
The Statesman

'A lapse on my part': Manu Bhaker breaks silence on Khel Ratna row

After a lot of debate over India's double bronze medallist at the Paris Olympics Manu Bhaker's reported exclusion from this year's list of Khel Ratna awardees, the 22-year-old pistol shooter addressed the issue publicly, acknowledging a potential lapse on her part in filing the nomination for the prestigious honour.

time-read
1 min  |
December 25, 2024