Page 1 — Introduction and Context 
Bangladesh, though constitutionally committed to secularism and equality, has seen rising crackdowns on religious minorities in recent years. Hindu, Buddhist, Christian, and indigenous communities have faced harassment, violence, and systematic discrimination. 

These groups, already vulnerable due to their smaller population sizes, report increasing fear as state institutions often fail to protect them from targeted attacks. For many, persecution has left them with no choice but to flee their homes, further deepening social divisions. 

Page 2 — Historical and Political Background 
Bangladesh’s founding principles in 1971 included secularism, but successive governments have struggled to uphold these values. Constitutional amendments in the late 20th century introduced Islam as the state religion, which critics argue undermined minority rights. 

Over the decades, communal violence has erupted sporadically, with minorities often targeted during times of political tension. Land grabs, forced conversions, and mob attacks have been reported, often with little accountability. 

In recent years, rising authoritarianism and politicised use of religion have worsened the situation. 

Page 3 — Forms of Crackdowns and Persecution 
Religious minorities in Bangladesh face multiple forms of repression: 

- Attacks on places of worship: Temples and churches vandalised or destroyed. 
- Mob violence: Communities targeted during elections and political unrest. 
- Land seizures: Minority-owned lands illegally occupied with little legal recourse. 
- Legal discrimination: Blasphemy accusations and biased policing disproportionately affect minorities. 
- Harassment and intimidation: Minority families pressured to convert or abandon their homes. 

These patterns reflect both societal prejudice and state inaction. 

Page 4 — Consequences for Minorities and Society 
The intensification of crackdowns has devastating effects. Families are displaced, communities fractured, and centuries-old cultural heritage threatened. Many minorities migrate abroad, particularly to India, further shrinking Bangladesh’s diversity. 

For society, these crackdowns undermine national unity and contradict the country’s constitutional commitments. The weakening of minority protections also erodes democratic values and fosters a climate of intolerance. 

Internationally, Bangladesh faces criticism from rights groups and religious freedom advocates, which risks damaging its global reputation. 

Page 5 — Solutions and Conclusion 
Protecting religious minorities is essential for Bangladesh’s long-term stability and democratic credibility. 

Key steps include: 
- Strengthening protections: enforce laws against violence and discrimination. 
- Ending impunity: prosecute perpetrators of attacks on minorities. 
- Land rights: protect minority-owned property from illegal seizures. 
- Interfaith initiatives: promote tolerance and inclusion through education and dialogue. 
- International oversight: encourage global monitoring of Bangladesh’s treatment of minorities. 

Until these reforms are implemented, religious minorities in Bangladesh will continue to face intensified crackdowns, leaving the country divided and its constitutional promise of equality unfulfilled.