Publications by Fellows: Shafi Md Mostofa: Minorities in Bangladesh Caught Within Political Upheaval

“Bangladesh’s society showed remarkable resilience in protecting minorities, though rising Hindutva influence presents new concerns,” our Global Forum Fellow ShafiMd Mostofa argues in an article in East Asia Journal.

According to the abstract, following Bangladesh’s July 2024 revolution and the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government, minority communities faced complex challenges amidst political chaos. While Indian media portrayed systematic persecution, evidence suggests most incidents were politically motivated rather than religiously targeted. Bangladesh’s society showed remarkable resilience in protecting minorities, though rising Hindutva influence presents new concerns. Moving forward requires majority Muslims protecting minority rights, Hindu communities resisting divisive nationalism and India respecting Bangladesh’s sovereignty.

Read the article here.