How Mujibur Rahman’s actions fuelled communal forces in B’desh

The situation in Bangladesh is a stark reminder of the fragile nature of religious coexistence in the region. As the Hindu population continues to dwindle, the international community, particularly India, faces an urgent moral imperative to address this issue and ensure that the rights of all religious minorities in Bangladesh are respected and protected. The time for action is now, before it is too late

The rise of communal forces in Bangladesh can be traced back to the era of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. In the aftermath of Bangladesh's war for independence, Bangabandhu faced the daunting task of rebuilding a war-torn nation. During this critical period, certain decisions -though perhaps deemed necessary or insignificant at the time - laid the groundwork for the future emergence of fundamentalist groups. These decisions, while not immediately recognized as critical, are now viewed as pivotal mistakes that inadvertently allowed communal forces to organize and gain influence.

Bangabandhu's administration is often credited with embedding 'secularism' in the constitution, but it is equally true that his government provided state patronage to Islam—an apparent contradiction that has sparked much debate. One of the most significant aspects of this dual approach was Bangabandhu's introduction of various Islamic practices and institutions into the state framework. For instance, he became the first leader to subsidize Hajj pilgrims and exempt Hajj taxes, setting a precedent in the state's relationship with religion.

Bangabandhu also instituted the holiday for Eid-e-Miladunnabi and inaugurated celebrations at the Baitul Mukarram Mosque, becoming the first head of government in the subcontinent to do so. He played a key role in organizing the Hakkanis and in the formation of the 'Sirat Majlis' in Dhaka. Moreover, he established the first autonomous 'Bangladesh Madrasa Education Board,' and under his directive, the first Quran and Tafsir broadcasts began on radio and television, making Quran recitations a daily feature on these platforms, thus embedding religious content in the national media.

In addition to these religious initiatives, Bangabandhu declared the first government holiday for Shab-e-Barat and instructed cinema halls to close on Islamic religious days. He also banned gambling, alcohol, and house games, further aligning state policies with Islamic values. The transformation of the 'Racecourse Ground' into Suhrawardy Udyan, recognizing its historical connection to Ramna Kali Bari, and the allocation of land in Tongi for the World Ijtema of the Tablighi Jamaat, further underscore Bangabandhu's balancing act between secularism and religious patronage.

His decision to send a Tablighi Jamaat delegation to Russia, ostensibly to foster friendship with the Soviet Union, reflects the global dimension of his religious diplomacy.

Today, the current government often highlights these activities as contributions of the Awami League to Islam, framing them as part of Bangabandhu's legacy. However, the long-term impact of these policies, particularly in relation to the rise of communal forces, demands a closer examination. The juxtaposition of secularism with religious patronage during Bangabandhu's era played a crucial role in shaping the complex and often contradictory nature of Bangladesh's political and religious landscape.

Bangladesh was forged through the united efforts of Hindus and Muslims, yet today, the persecution of Hindus in the country can be traced to Bangabandhu's policies, which favoured Muslims and Islam. While Bangladesh was created based on the Bengali language, not religion, it can be argued that Bangabandhu's actions have led to a divisive legacy.

Recent reports reveal a concerning demographic shift in Bangladesh, according to the preliminary findings of the Population and Housing Census-2022. The Hindu population has decreased from 8.54 per cent to 7.95 per cent, the Buddhist population from 0.62 per cent to 0.61 per cent, the Christian population from 0.31 per cent to 0.30 per cent, and the population of other religions has decreased from 0.12 per cent to 0.14 per cent. Conversely, the Muslim population has increased from 90.39 per cent to 91.04 per cent.

In a striking contrast, a report from 2015 indicated that the Hindu population had grown by one per cent to 1.70 crore, constituting 10.7 per cent of the population at that time. The Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS) found that the country's total population was 15.89 crore by the end of 2015, with the number of Hindus at 1.70 crore, up from 1.55 crore in 2014. However, from 2015 to 2022—a span of just seven years—government statistics show that the Hindu population has dwindled from 10.7 per cent to 7.95 per cent.

Similarly, the Buddhist and Christian populations have also decreased, while the Muslim population has risen. The sharp decline in the Hindu population can be attributed to ongoing persecution, forcing many to leave the country quietly for neighbouring India. The current situation draws parallels to the era of Bangladesh's independence, when India, under the leadership of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, played a crucial role in supporting Mujibur Rahman in the creation of Bangladesh.

Today, there is a growing call for India to once again intervene, this time to safeguard the rights and existence of Hindus and other Sanatani communities in Bangladesh. Many believe that Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji, known for his strong leadership and commitment to protecting Hindu values, should take decisive action to support the Hindu community in Bangladesh. There are voices within the community advocating for the separation of Hindu-majority regions from the Muslim-majority areas, citing the need to protect religious minorities from the growing influence of radical elements that threaten their existence.

The situation in Bangladesh is a stark reminder of the fragile nature of religious coexistence in the region. As the Hindu population continues to dwindle, the international community, particularly India, faces an urgent moral imperative to address this issue and ensure that the rights of all religious minorities in Bangladesh are respected and protected. The time for action is now, before it is too late.

(The author is Social Reformer and founder of International NGO Bongo Bashi Mahasabha Foundation)