As Bangladesh gears up for February 12 elections, a chilling wave of insecurity sweeps through its minority populations. Reports indicate that political volatility and rampant extremism have left non-Muslims in a state of heightened alert.
Bruce Allen of Forgotten Missionaries International highlighted the precarious environment to Mission Network News. The Yunus interim regime’s oversight of militancy has bred oppression, outrage, and economic strain. “Conditions are utterly chaotic,” he declared.
Election fervor masks profound unrest. Youth movements like Gen-Z efforts are disintegrating, with the National Citizen Party’s Jamaat-e-Islami tie-up raising alarms due to the latter’s baggage.
Christians, Hindus, and Buddhists suffer disproportionately. Allen observed radicals thriving in the turmoil, menacing church initiatives. Pastor Mintu’s build remains halted for 1.5 years over local Muslim resistance.
Land disputes add layers of vulnerability; Christians on borrowed terrain fear sudden ousters from state or neighbor claims. Power dynamics demand wary interactions. The impending vote heightens stakes, demanding international vigilance.