Bangladesh Hindus contemplate forming a political party

PTI Dhaka: Hindu community leaders in Bangladesh are advocating the formation of a dedicated political party, reflecting a call for political representation to protect their rights and ensure their safety. Hindu leaders from the Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council (BHBCOP) and other groups are now discussing the possibility of establishing a separate political party or demanding reserved parliamentary seats. “There are currently three opinions that are being discussed in detail: first, going back to the separate electorate system from 1954; second, establishing a separate political party for Hindus; and third, reserving seats in Parliament for minorities,” BHBCOP presidium member Kajal Debnath told PTI.

The discussions came after the violence against the Hindu community following the resignation of the Awami League leader Sheikh Hasina as prime minister on August 5 following a student movement. Debnath said the data collected by the BHBCOP points to 2,010 incidents of attacks on the Hindu community, ranging from murder and physical assaults to sexual assaults, attacks on temples, and destruction of property. There are no official figures from the Bangladesh government on the number of attacks. “The discussions and exchanges of opinions regarding forming a political party are at the top of our priority. Although nothing has been finalised, let's see how it pans out,” said Ranjan Karmakar, a leader from the Hindu community.

“The proposed political party could serve as a critical vehicle for change, ensuring their concerns are represented and addressed,” he pointed out. Historically, Hindus made up about 22% of Bangladesh's population during the 1971 Liberation War, but today they represent only approximately 8 per cent. The community members attributed this decrease in the Hindu population to socio-political marginalisation and sporadic violence, intensifying the urgency for political mobilisation. However, Debnath said that forming a party for Hindus may not work in favour of minorities, as it might divide the secular votes and not result in victory. “The Hindu population is scattered across Bangladesh.

In some areas, it comprises 35 per cent of the voters, while in most places it is 6-8 per cent of the voters. Those Hindu leaders from the Awami League who won in the last election garnered both Hindu votes and votes from Awami League supporters of other communities.”