Amidst attacks on Hindus and temples in Bangladesh after Friday prayers, Dhaka's media outlets have expressed optimism by sharing a survey by the 'Voice of America.' This survey asserts that minority groups in Bangladesh feel more secure under Muhammad Yunus's 'interim government.'
However, the ground reality presents a different picture than what is depicted in the survey. The Bangladeshi media is vigorously promoting the Voice of America's survey amidst the arrest of a Hindu priest fighting for minority rights and attempts to ban ISKCON.
What Does the Survey Claim?
Conducted in late October, the survey shows that 64.1% believe the caretaker government offers more security to minorities than the previous Sheikh Hasina rule. Outlets like The Daily Star, Dhaka Tribune, Bangla News 24, and The Business Standard have emphasized this perspective.
Among those surveyed, 15.3% felt the situation worsened, while 17.9% sensed no change. The survey included 1,000 respondents, of whom 92.7% identified as Muslim, indicating the survey represents the views of a significant number of Bangladeshi Muslims.
Diverse Perceptions of Minority Security
The survey reveals differing perceptions of minority security among Muslims and non-Muslims. Only 13.9% of Muslim respondents believed the minority security situation worsened under the Yunus government, whereas 33.9% of non-Muslims felt it had deteriorated.
Bangladesh's Minorities Living in the Shadow of Fear
Dhaka-based program coordinator Hiren Pandit told The Business Standard, 'Our village homes were burned down, and we are still living with insecurity.' Not only in rural areas but also in the capital Dhaka, insecurity among minorities has increased. NGO worker Jayati Sarkar shared with media outlets, 'Earlier, I had no hesitation returning home with my daughter at 11 PM. Now, I feel unsafe even at 8 PM.'
'Minority Communities Targeted by Violence'
A recent report by Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) analyzed the actions and missteps of Bangladesh's interim government, stating that 'religious and ethnic minorities and marginalized communities have become 'victims of violence' during the first 100 days of the military-backed government led by Muhammad Yunus.'
Prior to the VOA survey in late October, another VOA report published on August 20 was titled 'Religious minorities targeted during political unrest in Bangladesh.'
