BRUSSELS, April 9: A recent report has raised serious concerns about the protection of minority rights in Bangladesh, particularly for the Hindu community, following years of violence and unresolved injustices.
It highlights the country’s failure to ensure effective restitution for Hindus, alongside increasing attacks during the 18-month tenure of the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus.
The findings now place pressure on the ruling Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), led by Tarique Rahman, to uphold its promises of safeguarding minorities.
Rahman’s rise to power had initially sparked hope among Hindus, especially after the Awami League—traditionally viewed as more secular—was barred from contesting the 2026 elections.
Many Hindu voters supported the BNP as the only viable alternative.
However, the report points out that the BNP’s historical record continues to raise doubts.
Its founder, Ziaur Rahman, removed “secularism” from the Constitution in 1977, and party members have been repeatedly linked to violence against minority communities.
A major unresolved issue is the legacy of discriminatory property laws, particularly the Vested Property Act.
Originally rooted in policies from the 1947 partition era, the law enabled the confiscation of property belonging largely to Hindus, even in cases of temporary absence.
Although reforms were introduced in later years, especially under the Awami League, the report notes that actual restitution has been minimal, with many cases still tied up in legal disputes.
Despite pledges by the current government to ensure equal rights and restore law and order, it has remained largely silent on addressing these longstanding injustices.
The report warns that unless concrete action is taken, the BNP risks losing the trust of the Hindu community and failing to deliver on its commitments to minority protection. (IANS)
