Christians in Bangladesh are experiencing sectarian violence, particularly in areas where Jamaat-e-Islami holds influence. Open Doors UK and Ireland, an organization supporting persecuted Christians, noted a surge in attacks against minorities in Bangladesh post-elections. Since the removal of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who had a strict stance against Islamism, incidents targeting Christians and Hindus, especially converts from Islam, have risen.
The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) emerged victorious in the elections, but Jamaat-e-Islami secured a significant portion of the vote. In Dhaka, a Catholic priest was robbed, assaulted, and had his passport stolen at St. Eugene de Mazenod. Reports indicate a rise in violence, particularly in regions dominated by Jamaat-e-Islami. Over 50 incidents have been documented in Bangladesh since the February elections.
In response to the escalating violence, Hindu and Christian leaders staged a protest in Dhaka, urging the BNP government to safeguard minority rights. A global human rights organization strongly denounced the systematic violence against religious and ethnic minorities, including indigenous groups, in Bangladesh between January and April. The Justice Makers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) highlighted over 500 incidents across the country, revealing a troubling trend of persecution and discrimination against vulnerable minority communities.
The JMBF expressed deep concern over the numerous temple attacks, sexual violence cases, and blasphemy-related incidents targeting minorities. It criticized the lack of effective measures by the current government to curb violence and protect minority communities. The rights body called for the establishment of an independent judicial commission to investigate reported incidents impartially and ensure accountability for perpetrators, irrespective of political affiliations.
