Safety fear grips minorities as JS polls approach

Speakers tell policy dialogue

FE Team | Published: January 08, 2026 22:37:15

FE REPORT
Speakers at a dialogue underscored the importance of ensuring security for religious and ethnic minorities across the country during the upcoming national elections.
They also emphasised that with 13th Jatiya Sangsad (JS) election approaching, religious and ethnic minorities in the country are gripped by panic and concerned about their security.
The observations were made at a policy dialogue titled 'Electoral Commitment to inclusive Democracy and Minority Rights" organised by Centre for Governance Studies (CGS) at the CIRDAP auditorium in the capital on Thursday.
Regarding the local or national elections, the speakers highlighted that minority community members often frequently face threats, attacks and various forms of harassment simply for voting for or against a candidate.
They called upon the government, the Election Commission (EC) and political parties participating in the upcoming polls to ensure security of the minorities.
They also said if security is not ensured, the minorities would lose their interest in going to polling centres and casting their votes.
CGS President Zillur Rahman moderated the event, which was attended by political leaders and human rights organisations.
Shushashoner Jonno Nagorik (SHUJAN), said there must be security for the voters, including minorities, so that they can cast their votes without fear.
Acknowledging certain shortcomings in the country's democratic system, he called for institutionalisation of democracy in the country.
Rawnak Jahan, political scientist and distinguished fellow of Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD), said the government, the EC and political parties must take steps to ensure security for voters in the next national elections.
Ehsanul Mahbub Zubair, assistant secretary general of Jamaat-e- Islami stressed the need to build a secure Bangladesh in the days to come.
He added that if Jamaat comes to power, it will guarantee the safety of all Bangladeshis, including minorities and ethnics groups.
Sheikh Fazle Bari Masud, joint secretary general of Islami Andolon Bangladesh, said his party does not want to divide people along religious lines and is committed to meeting public expectations while ensuring the security of all citizens.
Nazmul Haque Prodhan, general secretary of Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal ( JSD) said politics of vengeance and witch hunting should be stopped for the betterment of the country's democracy.
Shamim Haider Patwary former member of parliament of Jatiya Party, Sanjeeb Drong, General Secretary of Bangladesh Adhibashi Forum, among others, were present.
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