Md. Abdullah-Al-Mamun

In a democratic society, representation transcends the mere act of voting; it is a guarantee that every citizen, regardless of race, religion, or socioeconomic standing, has an active voice in governance. For Bangladesh, a nation rich in ethnic, religious, and linguistic diversity, the question of minority representation is especially significant. Bangladesh's population predominantly comprises Bengali-speaking Muslims, yet the nation is home to diverse communities, including Hindus, Christians, Buddhists, and indigenous groups like the Chakma, Marma, and Santal, as well as the Bihari community. Although these communities collectively account for less than 10% of the population, their cultural and social contributions are considerable, making the issue of their representation in politics, society, and the economy a key factor in Bangladesh's journey toward inclusive democracy. Historically, these minorities have reported marginalization and underrepresentation, especially in areas like employment, education, political participation, and land ownership. Disparities are more evident in rural and remote areas, where minorities, particularly indigenous communities, have limited access to government initiatives. This situation raises a fundamental question about whether Bangladesh's democratic structure genuinely upholds inclusivity and equity for all. Political representation is one of the most telling indicators of inclusivity, yet despite the country's commitment to democratic ideals, minorities remain largely underrepresented. Although the ruling Awami League has made attempts to integrate minority candidates into its political framework, the numbers remain stark. For instance, in the 2018 parliamentary elections, only 18 of the 300 seats were held by minority representatives—a figure far below proportional representation given the country's demographic makeup. Dr. Abul Barkat, an economist at Dhaka University, underscores this gap, noting that Bangladesh’s political parties often view minorities more as a vote bank than as legitimate stakeholders, highlighting a persistent barrier to their empowerment. The lack of representation extends beyond politics; it is embedded in socio-economic structures where systemic discrimination limits the progress of minority communities.

Socioeconomic challenges are particularly acute for the indigenous population. Studies by the World Bank reveal that poverty rates among indigenous groups in the Chittagong Hill Tracts hover around 60%, significantly higher than the national average of 24.3%. In addition to economic hardship, indigenous people face frequent land disputes and encroachment, as land grabbing remains rampant, often carried out for commercial gain or national development projects. Similarly, the Bihari community, descendants of Urdu-speaking migrants stranded in Bangladesh after the 1971 liberation war, faces unique social and economic marginalization. Despite a landmark ruling in 2008 that granted citizenship to over 300,000 Biharis, full social integration remains elusive. As Fatema, a Bihari woman, observes, the younger generation of Biharis feels as much a part of Bangladesh as any other citizen but is constantly reminded of an outsider status that persists in social and institutional settings. Education and employment opportunities also reflect the disparity faced by minorities. A 2021 report by UNICEF noted that children from minority communities, particularly those from indigenous backgrounds, are 1.5 times more likely to be out of school than their Bengali counterparts. Such disparities not only affect immediate educational outcomes but also limit long-term career mobility, perpetuating cycles of poverty within these communities. The job market, especially government employment, offers little reprieve. According to a 2019 study by the Centre for Policy Dialogue, only 2% of government jobs are held by minorities, although they make up around 9% of the population. The inconsistency in enforcing anti-discrimination policies further reinforces barriers to equal economic participation, diminishing the potential for minorities to contribute fully to Bangladesh’s economic progress.

Religious minorities also face acute challenges, particularly Hindus, who are subject to periodic violence, especially during times of political tension. The human rights organization Ain o Salish Kendra reports that from 2013 to 2021, over 3,700 incidents of violence against Hindus—including assaults and arson on homes and temples—were recorded. While the government has responded to some incidents, deploying police to protect religious sites, these efforts are often reactive rather than preventive, highlighting a broader failure to cultivate tolerance and mutual respect. Religious intolerance extends beyond Hindus; smaller Christian and Buddhist communities, particularly the Buddhist-majority Chakma in the Hill Tracts, experience similar hostilities, with complex layers of both religious and ethnic discrimination that shape their interactions with the majority population. Bangladesh’s Constitution guarantees equal rights to all its citizens, with Article 28 explicitly prohibiting discrimination based on race, religion, or ethnicity. Yet, the lack of representation in legal and judicial systems often hinders minorities’ access to justice. In a 2022 report, Human Rights Watch called on the Bangladeshi government to strengthen protections for land rights, curb forced evictions, and ensure the religious freedom of all communities. Brad Adams, Executive Director of Human Rights Watch’s Asia Division, emphasized that Bangladesh's minorities form an essential part of the nation’s social fabric, stressing that safeguarding their rights goes beyond legality—it is a moral obligation.

Despite these obstacles, there are positive efforts underway to improve minority inclusion. The Awami League has been vocal in its commitment to protecting minority rights, implementing some initiatives aimed at curbing violence and fostering development in indigenous areas like the Hill Tracts. Civil society groups, such as the Bangladesh Legal Aid and Services Trust (BLAST), have also provided legal assistance to marginalized communities, helping them assert their rights in cases related to land disputes and discrimination. Furthermore, the Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council, among other organizations, actively campaigns for fair treatment and better representation of minorities in political and social spheres. However, these measures, while constructive, are limited in their reach and often fall short of addressing the broader systemic issues that minority groups face. A comprehensive approach to minority inclusion in Bangladesh requires political reforms to improve representation, with reserved seats for minorities in local government and pathways for leadership roles within political parties. Economic empowerment programs, including scholarships, vocational training, and affirmative action, can bridge the socioeconomic divide, enabling minorities to access opportunities and resources equitably. Strengthening legal protections and creating an independent body to investigate hate crimes would further safeguard the rights of minority communities, fostering an environment of tolerance. Social initiatives, such as public awareness campaigns promoting interfaith and interethnic understanding, could contribute to a culture of inclusivity that discourages prejudice.

In conclusion, while Bangladesh has made strides toward democracy and economic development, achieving inclusive representation for its minorities remains a vital benchmark of its progress. Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Bangladesh’s founding leader, envisioned a nation free from discrimination based on religion, race, or caste. Upholding this ideal requires consistent effort from all levels of society, including political, social, and grassroots sectors. Bangladesh’s democracy will be truly realized when every citizen, regardless of background, feels represented and respected. By addressing systemic inequalities, amplifying minority voices, and fostering a more inclusive society, Bangladesh can strengthen its democracy and uphold the values of justice, equity, and unity that form the foundation of its national identity.

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