International Human Rights Groups Voice Concern Over Safety of Minorities in Bangladesh

More than 30 international human rights organizations have expressed deep concern over the safety and human rights situation of minority communities in Bangladesh.

The concerns were raised at a press conference held on February 9 at the National Press Club in Washington, organized by New York Private Investigators Association. Several rights groups participated in the event, including the Bangladesh Hindu-Buddhist-Christian Unity Council (USA chapter), Bangladesh Human Rights Watch, Democracy Restoration Forum, United Hindu Federation (USA), Jagannath Hall Alumni Association, and Amnesty Freedom, among others.

Speakers at the press conference stated that ensuring the safety and equal rights of minority communities is a fundamental responsibility of the state. They warned that any failure to protect minorities not only constitutes a violation of human rights but also raises broader questions about the country’s commitment to democratic principles.

According to the participating organizations, democracy is not limited to elections alone. It also requires the rule of law, protection of human rights, and the guarantee of civil liberties. They emphasized that weakening these core elements undermines the democratic foundation of the state. The groups urged both national authorities and the international community to take the growing concerns over minority security seriously.

At the event, it was claimed that since August 5, 2024, more than 2,900 incidents of violence against religious and ethnic minorities have taken place. The reported incidents include arson attacks, lynching, rape, and at least 182 killings. The murder of Dipu Chandra Das was specifically mentioned, along with alleged attacks on Hindu, Buddhist, Christian, and Indigenous communities.

Among those present at the press conference were Dr. Dwijen Bhattacharya, President of the Bangladesh Hindu-Buddhist-Christian Unity Council; geopolitical analyst Edal Nazarian; Professor Chandan Sarkar, Chairman of Research and Empowerment Organization; former President of the Dhaka National Press Club Farida Yasmin; author Musa Ibn Mannan of Amnesty Freedom; lawyer Suraiya M. Deen; White House correspondent Dastagir Jahangir; Priya Saha, President of South Asian Minorities Collective; and community leader Dr. Dilip Nath.

The organizations called for urgent measures to ensure accountability, strengthen legal protections, and restore confidence among minority communities in Bangladesh.