A new report by Human Rights Watch (HRW) has detailed a disturbing pattern of attacks by extremist groups targeting religious minorities in Bangladesh, particularly Hindus and Ahmadiyyas. Titled “After the Monsoon Revolution: A Roadmap to Lasting Security Sector Reform in Bangladesh,” the report also raises concerns about abuses committed by security forces and calls for urgent reforms to address both issues and ensure lasting security for all citizens.
The report documents numerous instances of violence, intimidation, and discrimination against religious minorities, often perpetrated by groups promoting extremist interpretations of Islam. These attacks include physical violence, property destruction, and threats designed to instill fear and drive minorities from their communities.
“Religious minorities in Bangladesh are facing a surge of attacks, and the authorities are not doing enough to protect them,” said Elaine Pearson, Asia director at Human Rights Watch. “The government needs to take decisive action to hold perpetrators accountable and ensure that all citizens, regardless of their religion, are safe and secure.”
While the report focuses on attacks by extremist groups, it also highlights concerns about abuses by Bangladesh’s security forces, including allegations of extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, torture, and arbitrary arrests. The report stresses the importance of security sector reform to address these issues.
“The security forces have a responsibility to protect all citizens, not just those who share their faith,” said Pearson. “The government must investigate allegations of abuse and ensure that security forces operate within the law.”
The HRW report makes several recommendations, including:
- Strengthening law enforcement capacity to prevent and respond to attacks against religious minorities.
- Ensuring prompt and impartial investigations of attacks on minorities and holding perpetrators accountable.
- Reforming the security sector to address abuses and ensure respect for human rights.
- Working with civil society groups to promote tolerance and understanding between different religious communities.
“The people of Bangladesh deserve to live in peace and security, regardless of their religion or ethnicity,” said Pearson. “The government must take urgent action to address both the threat of extremist violence and the issue of security force abuses to make this a reality.”
