Staff Reporter :
A recent survey conducted by Voice of America (VOA) Bangla suggests that a majority of Bangladeshis believe the current interim government, led by Dr. Muhammad Yunus, is providing better security to religious and ethnic minorities than the previous Awami League administration.
The survey, carried out in late October with 1,000 respondents, revealed that 64.1 per cent feel minority security has improved under the interim government, while 15.3 per cent believe it has deteriorated, and 17.9 per cent see no significant change. The sample reflected the nation’s demographic composition, with 92.7 per cent of respondents identifying as Muslim and an equal gender split. Over half were aged below 34, with a quarter residing in urban areas.
Perceptions varied between religious groups. Among Muslim respondents, 66.1 per cent expressed confidence in the interim government’s handling of minority security, whereas only 39.5 per cent of minority respondents agreed. Notably, 33.9 per cent of minorities reported feeling less secure under the current administration.
Following the Awami League’s departure from power on 5 August, tensions escalated, with minority communities, particularly Hindus, facing violence, including arson and vandalism. Nur Khan, a human rights activist, noted that these attacks were motivated both by political factors and the victims’ minority status. He highlighted targeted violence against the Ahmadiyya community in Panchagarh.
Efforts by the interim government to restore order, such as mobilising administrative resources and fostering communal solidarity, appear to have yielded results. “We witnessed commendable actions by the administration, political groups, and religious communities, which helped stabilise the situation within a month,” Khan observed.Despite these efforts, concerns linger. Jayati Sarkar, a Dhaka resident, shared her worries: “I never feared for my family’s safety before, but now I’m uncertain.”
In contrast, Hiren Pandit from a rural area reported improvements. “The security situation has improved since August, thanks to the deployment of army personnel, though fear persists,” he remarked, recalling incidents of arson in his village.
The violence has drawn international concern, with India frequently raising the issue through diplomatic channels. The United States also engaged diplomatically, with Secretary of State Antony Blinken addressing the situation in a September meeting with Dr. Yunus. President-elect Donald Trump condemned the violence via social media, stating, “I strongly condemn the barbaric violence against Hindus, Christians, and other minorities in Bangladesh.”
However, the interim government has dismissed claims of widespread violence, attributing incidents to political unrest rather than religious conflict. In a national address marking 100 days in office, Dr. Yunus asserted, “Attempts to destabilise the country are being portrayed as religious violence.”
Minakshi Ganguly, Deputy Director at Human Rights Watch, emphasised that minority rights in Bangladesh require continued global attention. She criticised India’s support for the previous government’s “repressive rule” and stressed the importance of India’s role in safeguarding minorities and countering misinformation.
As Bangladesh navigates this turbulent period, ensuring the security and rights of religious and ethnic minorities remains a critical issue. The survey highlights the need for sustained efforts to build trust and promote safety across all communities.
