The Bangladesh interim government has been asked by the chief of an independent, bipartisan US federal government body to ensure the right to freedom of religion and prevent violence against minority communities during its upcoming elections.
Newsroom (07/06/2025 08:50 , Gaudium Press) The chair of the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), Stephen Schneck, has called on Bangladesh’s interim government to safeguard religious freedom and prevent violence against minority communities as the country prepares for national elections expected later this year or early next year. The appeal was made during Schneck’s week-long visit to Bangladesh, which concluded on June 6, 2025.
In an interview with UCA News, Schneck emphasized the need for the interim government, led by Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus, to address potential religiously motivated violence tied to the upcoming elections. “The right to religious freedom includes the protection of religious minorities and justice for citizens attacked because of their religion,” Schneck said. He urged the government to implement reforms to meet international standards for freedom of religion or belief.
Schneck’s visit included a meeting with Yunus in Dhaka on May 26, amid growing concerns over the oppression of religious minorities following the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in August 2024. Their discussions covered the July 2024 uprising, the state of religious freedom, the interim government’s reform agenda, proposed constitutional amendments, and the ongoing Rohingya crisis.
Reports from human rights organizations indicate that minority groups, including Hindus, Buddhists, Christians, and indigenous communities, have faced significant violence since Hasina’s departure. According to rights groups, Hindus alone have endured over 2,000 attacks since August 2024. The Washington-based Center for a New American Society (CNAS) reported on May 15, 2025, that hardline Islamist groups, including some affiliated with the Islamic Jamaat-e-Islami, have been harassing and attacking minorities and women in recent months. The report highlighted incidents in early 2025, including disruptions of women’s sports events in Rangpur and vandalism of feminist book stalls at a Dhaka fair. Additionally, minority Sufi Muslims have faced over 80 attacks on their shrines and centers since August 2024.
Bangladesh, with a population of approximately 171 million, is predominantly Sunni Muslim (90%), with Hindus making up about 8% and Christians, Buddhists, and indigenous faiths comprising the remaining 2%. The country is home to around 600,000 Christians. Probhat Tudu, an indigenous Catholic lawyer practicing in the Supreme Court, noted that religious freedom in Bangladesh is often interpreted as “the freedom of the religious majority people,” underscoring the challenges faced by minority communities.
The CNAS report also raised alarms about potential moves by some student movement members to enshrine Islamic values in the constitution, which could undermine Bangladesh’s secular and egalitarian traditions. Global human rights groups have called on the United Nations to intervene and prevent Yunus from emboldening religious fundamentalists.
Yunus, who has previously described violence against minorities as personal disputes, criminal acts, or accidents, reaffirmed his government’s commitment to fostering religious harmony during his meeting with Schneck. However, concerns persist about the interim government’s ability to address these challenges effectively as the election approaches.
Raju Hasmukh with files from
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UCA News, June 6, 2025
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Center for a New American Society (CNAS) Report, May 15, 2025
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