Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's Awami League, ostensibly the sole 'secular' party in Bangladesh's electoral politics, is currently engaging with Islamists in the lead-up to the January polls. The concerning question is the future of Hindus in Bangladesh as instances of land confiscation, often affecting minorities, continue to emerge. Landowner Manik Bhowmik's struggle to reclaim his property exemplifies this trend. Although the 2011 census indicated a decline in the Hindu population, reaching below 8%, Bangladesh officially practices Islam as its state religion, despite the Awami League reintroducing 'secularism' to the preamble in 2011.
The forthcoming general election on January 7, 2024, holds significant implications for Bangladesh's Hindu population. Deep Halder, author of 'Being Hindu in Bangladesh: The Untold Story,' warns that a change in government could jeopardize the security of Hindus, recalling the violence against minorities during the 2001 tenure of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Jamaat-e-Islami alliance.
Notably, the Awami League, under Sheikh Hasina's leadership, has pursued alliances with Islamic groups, such as Hefazat-e-Islam Bangladesh, constructed Saudi-funded mosques, and supported the establishment of madrasas. Critics accuse Hasina of exploiting far-right Islamist factions to divide mainstream Islamist politics for electoral gains.
The contrast between Awami League founder Mujibur Rahman's secular ideals and Ziaur Rahman's, the BNP founder, historical perspectives shapes the ideological differences between the parties. Some experts argue that the Awami League's engagement with Islamists is a pragmatic political move influenced by the need to maintain voter support.
While the Awami League has successfully countered extremist influences, its reluctance to confront Islamists head-on stems from practical political considerations. A push for greater secularism could alienate the party from its societal and voter base. For years, the Awami League has faced allegations of being "pro-Hindu and pro-India," a narrative it has worked to dispel.
The looming election raises concerns about the Awami League's commitment to secularism, with its 2018 manifesto emphasizing Islamic themes. Observers argue that both major parties, including the BNP, deploy Islamic culture and values for political purposes, challenging the idea that the Awami League remains a truly secular party.
The Awami League's engagement with far-right Islamist groups has sparked criticism, with accusations of creating divisions within mainstream Islamist politics. Critics argue that Sheikh Hasina's government is strategically aligning with far-right Islamist leaders, incorporating them into the Awami League's leadership and supporting new Islamic political parties.
Despite the Awami League's questionable secular credentials, many experts suggest that minorities, particularly Hindus, may still prefer the Awami League over the BNP. The BNP's past record, including the 2001 violence against minorities, has contributed to the Awami League's popularity among minority voters.
While Sheikh Hasina's government has taken steps to ensure security during Hindu festivals, concerns persist about the 'othering' of Hindus in Bangladeshi society. The rise of Hindutva in India is seen as influencing religious antagonism in Bangladesh, adding complexity to the dynamics of minority rights.
Ultimately, the Awami League's engagement with Islamists reflects the intricate political landscape in Bangladesh, where practical considerations often outweigh ideological commitments. The January 2024 election will likely shape the future trajectory of Bangladesh's minorities, especially Hindus, in a nation grappling with religious and political complexities.
