In the aftermath of the recent coup in Bangladesh, the nation has witnessed a surge in extremist activities, with hardline groups increasingly asserting their influence. Among these groups, Hifazat-e-Islam has emerged as a prominent voice, pushing for a strict Islamic governance model. The group’s Vice President, Muhyiddin Rabbani, has made headlines with his controversial statements, advocating for the country to abandon its legal and constitutional framework in favour of Islamic law.
In an exclusive interview with Hindi daily Dainik Bhaskar, Rabbani did not mince words as he called for Bangladesh to be governed according to Islamic principles rather than the existing legal and constitutional norms. “We want Bangladesh to remain under an Islamic regime,” he asserted, emphasising that the current system should be replaced with one based on Sharia law. Rabbani further elaborated that the adoption of an Islamic system by the populace and the establishment of an Islamic government would, in his view, bring justice to the nation.
However, Rabbani was quick to clarify that Hifazat-e-Islam does not endorse the use of force to implement this system. He acknowledged that while the group aspires to see a Sharia system in place, it has not yet been realised in Bangladesh. “We do not favour using force to establish this system,” he stated, signalling a preference for a more gradual and voluntary transition to Islamic governance.
Rabbani’s remarks also touched upon the recent spate of attacks on religious minorities, particularly Hindus, in regions such as Jessore, Rangpur, Meherpur, and Chattogram. When questioned about these incidents, Rabbani was defensive, asserting that such acts of violence are not sanctioned by Islam. He referenced the life of the Prophet Muhammad, claiming that during the Prophet’s time, no injustices were committed against others. He insisted that Hifazat-e-Islam had made considerable efforts to prevent the violence, even urging political leaders to ensure the protection of temples and churches across the country.
The interview took a controversial turn when the discussion shifted to the vandalism of a statue of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Bangladesh’s founding father. Rabbani expressed his disapproval of statues in general, stating, “Statues should not have been made in the first place, but if they have been made, the government should destroy them.” He went further, suggesting that if a government aligned with Hifazat-e-Islam’s views were to come to power, they would push for the demolition of all statues in the country, a stance likely to stir significant political and social backlash.
What is Hifazat-e-Islam?
Founded in 2010, Hifazat-e-Islam Bangladesh has positioned itself as a guardian of Islamic values, with a particular focus on the protection of Islam, the Quran, and Hadith. Over the years, the organisation has become a central player in the religious politics of Bangladesh, often serving as a rallying point for those who advocate for a more conservative interpretation of Islam in the public and political spheres.
As the nation grapples with the implications of the recent coup, the statements and actions of groups like Hifazat-e-Islam are likely to shape the direction of Bangladesh’s political and religious landscape in the coming months. Whether the group’s calls for Islamic governance will gain broader traction or face resistance remains to be seen.
Sheikh Hasina’s ouster
Sheikh Hasina, who served as the Prime Minister of Bangladesh for multiple terms, was known for her relatively secular approach to governance, despite criticism for authoritarian tendencies. Her administration took several measures to protect minority rights, including those of the Hindu community, which constitutes about 8-10 per cent of Bangladesh’s population. Under her leadership, there were efforts to curb religious extremism and promote communal harmony, albeit with varying degrees of success.
However, Hasina’s removal from office—whether through political manoeuvring or a more direct coup—created a power vacuum that has since been filled by more hardline elements within the country. These elements have capitalised on the absence of strong central leadership to push their agendas, often at the expense of religious minorities.
Surge in ‘Anti-Hindu’ violence
Since Hasina’s ouster, reports of anti-Hindu violence have surged, with incidents occurring in several districts across the country. The violence has manifested in various forms, from physical attacks on individuals to the destruction of temples and the looting of Hindu-owned properties. The following are some of the most notable incidents:
1. Attacks on Temples: One of the most alarming aspects of the recent violence has been the systematic targeting of Hindu temples. In districts like Noakhali, Barisal, and Chittagong, numerous temples have been vandalised, desecrated, or completely demolished. These attacks are often carried out by mobs that face little to no resistance from the local administration, who are either overwhelmed or complicit in the violence.
2. Assaults on Hindu Families: Hindu families in rural areas have been particularly vulnerable. In some instances, entire villages have been attacked, with homes set on fire and residents beaten or killed. Women and girls have been especially targeted, with reports of sexual violence surfacing in the aftermath of these attacks.
3. Economic Sabotage: Beyond physical violence, there has also been a concerted effort to economically marginalise the Hindu community. Hindu-owned businesses have been looted and destroyed, with many families losing their primary source of income. This economic sabotage is part of a broader strategy to drive Hindus out of their ancestral homes and force them to flee to India, contributing to the already significant refugee crisis along the Bangladesh-India border.
4. Targeted Killings and Abductions: Reports have also emerged of Hindu community leaders and activists being targeted for assassination or abduction. These individuals are often prominent figures who have been vocal about the rights of minorities in Bangladesh. Their elimination serves both to silence dissent and to intimidate the broader Hindu community.
Government and International response
The current Bangladeshi government, which came to power in the wake of Hasina’s removal, has been widely criticised for its handling of the violence. Many accuse the authorities of turning a blind eye to the atrocities, or worse, of being complicit in the attacks. In some cases, local police and government officials have been accused of facilitating the violence or failing to protect the victims.
The international community has also expressed concern over the situation, with human rights organisations and foreign governments calling for immediate action to protect Bangladesh’s Hindu minority. India, which has a significant interest in the welfare of Hindus in Bangladesh due to cultural and historical ties, has raised the issue diplomatically, urging the Bangladeshi government to take stronger measures to prevent further violence.
However, with the political situation in Bangladesh still in flux, it remains uncertain how effective these interventions will be.
Historical Context
Anti-Hindu violence in Bangladesh is not a new phenomenon. The Hindu community has faced persecution and discrimination since the country’s independence in 1971, with periodic outbreaks of violence occurring in response to political and social upheavals. However, the recent wave of attacks is particularly concerning due to its scale and intensity, as well as the apparent impunity with which the perpetrators operate.
Historically, the Hindu population in Bangladesh has been gradually declining due to a combination of factors, including forced conversions, social and economic marginalisation, and migration to India. The recent violence threatens to accelerate this trend, potentially leading to the further erosion of Bangladesh’s cultural and religious diversity.
The anti-Hindu violence in Bangladesh since Sheikh Hasina’s ouster is a stark reminder of the fragility of minority rights in times of political instability. As the country navigates this turbulent period, the safety and security of its Hindu population remain in jeopardy. The current government’s response—or lack thereof—will be crucial in determining whether the situation will stabilize or deteriorate further.
For the Hindu community in Bangladesh, the future is uncertain. Without strong legal and political protections, they continue to live under the shadow of violence and discrimination.
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