Citizens for Human Rights (CHR) has raised serious concerns over the safety and voting rights of religious minorities and marginalised communities ahead of Bangladesh’s 13th national parliamentary elections.
The warning came during a press conference held on Sunday at the Sagar-Runi Auditorium of the Dhaka Reporters’ Unity, marking the release of field observation findings from pre-election monitoring.
The conference, titled “Field Observations and Ensuring Equal Electoral Environment for Religious Minorities and Marginalised Communities in the 13th National Election”, was moderated by Satej Chakma, International Secretary of the Bangladesh Indigenous Youth Forum and a member of the observation team.
Key speakers included Chief Executive of Nagorik Uddyog (Citizen’s Initiative) Zakir Hossain, Dhaka University’s Department of Mass Communication & Journalism Professor Robaet Ferdous, Human rights activist Dipayan Khisa, Executive Director, Association for Land Reform and Development (ALRD) Shamsul Huda and representatives from the Legal and Human Rights Centre and Blastere Advocacy & Communication.
In a written statement, Zakir Hossain said “Even 55 years after independence, structural failures in Bangladesh continue to expose ethnic and religious minorities to systemic discrimination and exclusion from decision-making processes.”
He warned that radical religious groups persist in efforts to marginalise minority citizens politically.
“Observations show that before and after every national election, fear and intimidation in minority-populated areas have become a stark reality,” Hossain said.
He cited incidents in Chattogram’s Rauzan area, where at least 12 Hindu homes were targeted in arson attacks from 1 November, 2025, and seven homes were similarly attacked in Mirsharai. According to the monitoring team, these acts were carried out at night with the apparent intent to destroy entire households and spread fear among minorities.
Robaet Ferdous said minorities have been the worst affected during the interim government’s tenure.
“Although the Constitution guarantees protection of all religions, non-Muslim communities are effectively treated as second-class citizens. Pre-election communal violence aims to prevent minority participation in the electoral process,” he said.
He added that Bangladesh’s multi-ethnic, multi-religious identity must be protected by any future government.
Shamsul Huda described attacks on minorities and marginalised communities as often premeditated and part of a broader national problem. He urged election authorities to take active measures to ensure the safe and unhindered voting of these groups in the upcoming polls.
Field observers highlighted that ongoing attacks, intimidation, and legal inaction are pushing minorities to migrate abroad.
Satej Chakma warned “Unless minority voting rights are safeguarded, these communities will face further marginalisation and oppression.”
He stressed that inclusive governance, respecting all citizens’ voices, is essential to building a secular and democratic Bangladesh.
Representative of Ain O Salish Kendra Tawheed Ahmed Rana reported that law enforcement agencies had failed to respond effectively to arson attacks.
“Victims are left uncertain about safety, shelter, and basic necessities. Immediate government intervention is essential,” he said.
CHR issued several specific demands to the interim government, election commission, and law enforcement authorities.
The demands include ensuring the security of minority voters in vulnerable areas; investigating and prosecuting perpetrators of violence in Rauzan, Mirsharai, and other regions; providing adequate compensation and rehabilitation to victims; offering psychological support to affected families; and ensuring that the newly formed Human Rights Commission monitors these matters as a priority.
The organisation also called on all election-bound political parties to actively guarantee the voting rights of religious and ethnic minorities and provide post-election security for these communities.
The press conference concluded with a firm appeal to safeguard Bangladesh’s diverse social fabric and uphold the constitutional rights of all citizens, particularly the most vulnerable.
