A recent survey conducted by Voice of America (VOA) in late October indicates that 64.1% of respondents believe the interim government in Bangladesh offers better security to religious and ethnic minorities compared to the previous administration led by the Awami League. Conversely, 15.3% feel the current situation is worse, while 17.9% think it remains unchanged.
Key Survey Findings
The survey asked respondents to compare the current interim government, led by Chief Advisor Professor Muhammad Yunus, with former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s administration regarding the safety of minorities. The results reveal nuanced perspectives:
- Among Muslim respondents, 66.1% consider the interim government more effective in ensuring minority safety, while 13.9% disagree.
- Among minority respondents, 39.5% agree the current government is better, whereas 33.9% believe it is worse.
Context and Public Sentiment
The survey noted a rise in retaliatory acts against religious minorities, especially Hindus, following the Awami League’s fall from power. However, initiatives under the interim government, including local protection efforts and the deployment of security forces, have reportedly improved the situation within a month.
Residents shared mixed opinions:
- Joyoti Sarkar from Dhaka noted that the absence of Awami League affiliates exploiting minority communities has brought some relief.
- Hiren Pandit, a Dhaka-based program coordinator, attributed improved security to increased military deployment but expressed lingering concerns.
Expert Opinions
- Nur Khan Liton, a human rights advocate, praised joint efforts by the administration, political groups, and religious communities to safeguard minorities.
- Meenakshi Ganguly from Human Rights Watch highlighted systemic neglect of minority rights and stressed the need for regional accountability, particularly from India, to combat misinformation and promote inclusion.
Survey Methodology
VOA conducted the survey with 1,000 respondents selected to represent Bangladesh’s demographics. Approximately 92.7% identified as Muslim, with an even gender split and a majority under 34 years of age. Rural and urban areas were proportionately represented.
The findings underscore both improvements and challenges in minority security, signaling ongoing concerns about structural and social vulnerabilities.
