Restlessness among the Hindu community in Bangladesh ahead of elections, demand for a new political party
Ahead of the historic elections in Bangladesh, the Hindu minority community expresses insecurity and disillusionment with mainstream political parties.
In the lead-up to Bangladesh's historic elections, the Hindu minority community is experiencing significant insecurity and anxiety. Members of the community feel disenchanted with the two dominant political parties, the Awami League and the BNP, believing they have been marginalized by both. Additionally, the resurgence of the Jamaat-e-Islami in mainstream politics heightens their concerns, suggesting a potential shift toward an Islamic governance model, which poses a direct threat to the secular fabric the community depends on.
Aaj Tak reached out to a group of Hindu citizens in Dhaka to gather their perspectives. At the renowned Dhakeshwari National Temple, individuals shared their fears regarding a possible government led by Jamaat, which aims to implement Islamic sharia law in Bangladesh. Both men and women from the Hindu community expressed that, despite having received some representation in the previous Awami League and BNP governments, such representation was largely symbolic and did not translate into meaningful change or support for their community.
The general sentiment among Hindu citizens is one of frustration and a call for a new political party that genuinely represents their interests and concerns. They believe that their voices have often been sidelined in the political discourse, and the pending elections could further marginalize their community. This situation not only underscores the challenges faced by religious minorities in Bangladesh but also raises questions about the future of secularism in the country, as the rise of religious political groups could shift the political landscape significantly.