Muslim organisations from Bangladesh are actively trying to alter the religious demographics of Nepal, the only Hindu-majority country in South Asia besides India.
Nepal, with a population of approximately 2.36 crore Hindus, about 81 per cent according to the 2021 census, has Muslims making up around 5 per cent of its population. However, there is a coordinated effort underway to artificially shift these religious demographics and cultural fabric, disguised cleverly as ‘humanitarian activities.’
A Bangladeshi organisation called ‘Alhaj Shamsul Hoque Foundation (ASH Foundation)’ is actively pursuing this objective with a mission-driven approach.
Founded by Muhammed Nasir Uddin, ASH Foundation operates not only in Bangladesh but also in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Egypt. The NGO is headquartered in Chittagong. The foundation claims its mission is to create a hunger-free, poverty-free, and healthy community, promoting peace and prosperity for all, regardless of race, religion, caste, or gender. However, the actions of the ‘Alhaj Shamsul Hoque Foundation clearly focus on Tabligh (Islamic propagation) and Daʿwah (proselytism).
Despite its stated mission, founder Muhammed Nasir Uddin reportedly used funds to lay the foundation stone of ‘Masjid-e-Razaaq’ in Nepal’s Sunsari district. “There are only 5 per cent Muslims in Nepal, which presents a clear opportunity for Daʿwah (Islamic proselytism),” he stated in a viral Facebook video on July 25.
In a Facebook post dated July 18, the ASH Foundation admitted that the mosque will act as a hub to promote Islam to at least 15 per cent of Nepal’s population. The post also shared bank account details, urging Bangladeshis to donate and support their mission to build more mosques in the Hindu-majority nation and convert the local population.
“Nepal is one of the largest Hindu nations in the world, making it crucial to carry out Daʿwah. A core principle of our faith is to invite people to the path of Allah,” ASH founder, Muhammed Nasir Uddin, openly declared during a discussion with local Muslims, revealing his agenda.
Rising Islamism in Hindu-majority Nepal
Sources have documented several cases highlighting increasing tensions between the Muslim community and native Hindus in Nepal. In April 2025, violent Muslim mobs attacked a Hanuman Jayanti procession in Birgunj city, Parsa district.
In July 2024, Muslims halted road construction, threw stones, and attacked Dalit Hindu homes in Nepal’s Sarlahi district. A month earlier, the Hindu-majority nation made headlines when Muslims renamed a village ‘Islam Nagar’ and changed ‘Brahma Sthan’ to ‘Madrasa Chowk’ in Rautahat district.
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