Islamophobia in Bangladesh

Islamophobia in Bangladesh refers to discrimination, prejudice, or hostility directed towards Islam and Muslims within Bangladesh. While Bangladesh is a Muslim-majority country, incidents of anti-Islamic sentiment, attacks on religious institutions, and legal or political actions perceived as discriminatory have occurred. Tensions between secularism and religious identity continue to shape discussions on Islamophobia. The extent of anti-Islamic sentiment varies, often influenced by political, social, and global factors.
In contrast, when Hefazat-e-Islam, a madrasa-based group, held a protest at Shapla Chattar on 5-6 May 2013, demanding the protection of Islamic values, the government responded with a violent crackdown, resulting in numerous deaths and arrests. This stark difference in treatment between Shahbagh protesters and Islamic activists highlighted institutional bias. Additionally, mainstream media glorified Shahbagh while portraying Hefazat as extremist, reinforcing negative stereotypes about Islamic movements. These events deepened societal divisions and fueled long-term grievances among religious groups in Bangladesh.
Controversy Over the New Curriculum
In 2023, Bangladesh government introduced a new curriculum for students in grades six and seven, which was met with widespread controversy and protests from various religious and cultural groups. Critics argue that the revised textbooks deliberately omit Islamic history, heritage, and contributions while promoting non-Islamic traditions disproportionately.
One of the primary concerns raised is the alleged Islamophobic nature of the curriculum. Observers note that textbooks extensively discuss Hindu and Buddhist heritage, including detailed descriptions of deities, temples, religious practices, and historical contributions. In contrast, Islamic heritage appears to be marginalised, with minimal references to Muslim rulers, scholars, and cultural contributions to Bengal. The history textbooks reportedly categorise Muslim rule in Bengal alongside British and Mauryan rule, labeling them as "foreign dominations" without recognising the socio-political and cultural impact of Islamic governance. Additionally, figures like Bakhtiyar Khilji are described as invaders rather than contributors to Bengal's historical transformation.
Religious and cultural tensions
Certain secularist groups have been accused of promoting anti-Islamic rhetoric, particularly in the aftermath of violent attacks on bloggers and activists. In 2013, protests erupted over the demand for the death penalty for Islamist leaders accused of war crimes, leading to accusations that government policies were targeting religious figures. Hate speech against conservative Islamic practices has also been documented, especially on social media platforms.
Media and social perceptions
Islamist groups have often criticized sections of the media for allegedly promoting Islamophobic narratives. Satirical content, controversial artworks, or statements perceived as disrespectful to Islamic beliefs have led to protests and legal action. The role of Western influence in shaping anti-Islamic discourse is also debated.
Government and public response
The Bangladeshi government has largely denounced acts of Islamophobia while maintaining a stance on secular governance. Public opinion is divided, with some advocating for stricter religious policies and others supporting a more secular approach to governance.

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