AFERMB Hosts International Human Rights Symposium on Ethnic and Religious Minorities in Bangladesh

Samir Sarkar, a Member of the Board of Directors of AFERMB, had to leave before the symposium formally concluded; therefore, he delivered the vote of thanks earlier in his official capacity, pending the continuation of the discussions.

Dr Dhiman Deb Chowdhury of the US-based Human Rights Congress for Bangladesh Minorities presented on recurring genocidal crimes against minorities from 1946 to the present, analysing contemporary developments within a broader historical continuum.

Hosted by Engr. Dilip Dutta, the first presentation was delivered by Dr Dhiman Deb Choudhury of the Human Rights Congress for Bangladesh Minorities (HRCBM), based in the United States. His presentation examined what he described as recurring genocidal crimes against minorities from 1946 to the present, situating contemporary developments within a long historical trajectory. Referring to Bengal’s political transition in 1204 and subsequent historical transformations, Dr Choudhury described what he characterised as centuries of persecution and gradual demographic decline of minority populations. He questioned whether demographic shifts reflected natural processes or elements of ethnic cleansing.

His recommendations included strengthening scholarly contributions, expanding advocacy and international engagement, pursuing legal action and litigation, and establishing mechanisms for rescue and family reunification where necessary.

The panel also included Advocate Rana Dasgupta, freedom fighter and General Secretary of the Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council, Dr Anurag Chakma and Dr Kushal Baran Chakraborty.

Advocate Rana Dasgupta focused on the future of minorities in Bangladesh, underscoring the need for unity and sustained advocacy.

Dr Kushal Baran Chakraborty spoke about the multifaceted challenges facing Hindus in Bangladesh. He cited financial hardship among minority students, religious conversion pressures, alleged failures to prosecute perpetrators of communal violence including the Nasirnagar attacks, budgetary discrimination, and negative propaganda targeting minorities.

He expressed concern over what he described as limited mainstream media coverage of minority issues and advocated for stronger unity among Hindus, the development of trusted media platforms, enhanced global communication networks, and coordinated online engagement.

Sharing personal experiences, Dr Chakraborty recounted incidents of mob violence and intimidation, including events surrounding the arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das and disturbances during a professional promotion interview at the Vice Chancellor’s office of Chittagong University.

Dr Anurag Chakma presented findings from ongoing research into violence against indigenous minorities during the 2024 political transition in Bangladesh. He emphasised why political transitions are critical periods for minority vulnerability and highlighted patterns of violence affecting indigenous communities. He also suggested the need for early warning mechanisms, stronger constitutional safeguards, independent investigations into incidents of violence, and coordinated national and international advocacy to ensure accountability and long-term protection for indigenous minority groups.

At the conclusion of the programme, Professor Dr Jahar Bhowmik of Swinburne University of Technology conveyed his sincere appreciation to the keynote speaker, distinguished panellists, organisers and participants from around the world for their insightful and meaningful contributions. He reaffirmed the vital importance of sustained academic engagement, informed dialogue and collective advocacy in advancing the protection and promotion of minority rights. In his remarks, Professor Bhowmik highlighted several critical and pressing issues. These included constitutional limitations that continue to affect minority protections, the absence of comprehensive anti-discrimination legislation, and the ongoing challenges in ensuring the full implementation of constitutional guarantees relating to religious freedom and freedom of worship.

Furthermore, he emphasised that prevailing political dynamics remain a central factor contributing to the continued marginalisation of minorities in Bangladesh, particularly in relation to limited access to justice and institutional redress for affected communities.

Organisers described the event as an important step towards fostering international dialogue, strengthening research collaboration, and advancing advocacy for the rights and protection of ethnic and religious minorities in Bangladesh.