Bangladesh: High Court Recommends Death Penalty for Blasphemy, Hindu Minorities at Risk
The recent recommendation by the Bangladesh High Court to strengthen its blasphemy laws, including the introduction of life imprisonment and the death penalty, has sent shockwaves across minority communities in the country. Hindus, already subjected to relentless violence under the pretext of blasphemy, now face an even graver threat as radical Islamists solidify their grip on power.
High Court Suggests Stricter Blasphemy Laws
On November 23, a two-judge bench of Justices MR Hassan and Fahmida Quader proposed that Bangladesh’s Parliament introduce harsher punishments for blasphemy. They suggested that “provocative speech and conduct against the Quran and Prophet Muhammad” be made punishable by death or life imprisonment.
The court emphasized the need for non-bailable charges and stricter laws to curb what they termed “inflammatory actions likely to offend religious sentiments.” While this move is framed as a step to maintain harmony, its implications for Hindus and other religious minorities are dire.
Currently, Bangladesh’s blasphemy law carries a maximum penalty of two years imprisonment and a fine. However, the proposed amendments mirror the draconian measures of Pakistan, where such laws have been weaponized to target minorities, particularly Hindus and Christians.
Escalating Violence Against Hindus
The High Court’s recommendation comes against the backdrop of increasing attacks on Hindus under the pretext of blasphemy. Incidents of mob violence have become alarmingly frequent.
- In October, a mob besieged Kadirdi Degree College in Faridpur district after falsely accusing a Hindu student, Hridoy Pal, of insulting Prophet Muhammad.
- Earlier, a Hindu boy, Utsab Mandal, narrowly escaped lynching in Khulna city when a mob attacked him on similar charges.
- Another violent mob attacked a police station in Chittagong, demanding the handover of a Hindu boy accused of blasphemy.
- In May, a Hindu student, Utsab Kumar Gian, was brutally thrashed at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Science and Technology University.
In Faridpur, a teenager named Hriday Pal is being taken away by the army in a bizarre manner, but what is his crime? Behind him, the miscreants are telling the soldiers to beat the boy, and according to them, the soldiers are attacking the boy. The boy is Hindu. Fanatics are… pic.twitter.com/irFz1UcrrF
— taslima nasreen (@taslimanasreen) October 28, 2024
Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Science and Technology University (BSMRSTU) Student Utsab Kumar Gain has been brutally assaulted and handed over to the police for allegedly sending a message in a social media group by commenting on Muslims Prophet Muhammad. The student's… pic.twitter.com/CYj9mZuRgC
— Asad Noor (@Asad_N0or) May 27, 2024
These incidents show a disturbing pattern. Radical Muslims often exploit blasphemy accusations to attack Hindus, loot their properties, and drive them from their homes.
Radical Islamists Tighten Their Grip
With the undemocratic ousting of Sheikh Hasina, Bangladesh has fallen deeper into the hands of radical Islamists. While claiming to uphold justice, they have weaponized blasphemy laws to intimidate and marginalize minorities.
When not in power, they project themselves as victims. However, once in control, their agenda becomes clear: silencing dissent and targeting vulnerable communities, particularly Hindus. This dual facade reveals their true intentions. The High Court’s recommendation is a significant step in this direction, giving radicals more tools to suppress and persecute.
Hindus in Peril
Muslims accused of blasphemy often escape punishment in Bangladesh. However, Hindus and other minorities are swiftly labeled as offenders, facing mob violence and biased legal action. This systemic injustice shows how the laws are applied selectively, protecting one community while endangering others.
The parallels with Pakistan’s trajectory are undeniable. Just like its neighbor, Bangladesh risks becoming a state where minorities live in constant fear of fabricated accusations and unchecked Islamist aggression.
A Grim Warning
This situation should serve as a warning to the global community. If Bangladesh continues on this path, the safety of Hindus and other minorities will remain under threat. Radical Islamists have already shown their willingness to exploit laws for their gains. Their actions speak louder than their pretense of victimhood.
As Hindus in Bangladesh face these escalating dangers, it is imperative to raise awareness and demand accountability. Without immediate intervention, the country risks slipping further into an abyss of intolerance and violence.