Introduction
Global Human Rights Defence (GHRD) convened an international conference in The Hague addressing the growing human rights crisis faced by religious minorities in Bangladesh. The conference, entitled “Blasphemy Allegations, Mob Violence and the Protection of Religious Minorities in Bangladesh,” brought together policymakers, academics, journalists, and civil society actors to examine patterns of violence, accountability gaps, and international responsibilities.
The discussions were framed by a shared concern that recurrent mob violence, often triggered by allegations of blasphemy, has resulted in killings, arson, forced displacement, and the systematic erosion of fundamental rights. Speakers emphasised that these developments raise serious questions under international human rights law, including the rights to life, security, property, and freedom of religion or belief, as well as the obligation of states to prevent and punish communal violence.
Keynote Address
The conference opened with a keynote address by Dr. Anthonie Holslag, who examined the relationship between blasphemy laws, communal violence, and what genocide scholars describe as “creeping genocide.” Drawing on comparative and historical analysis, he highlighted how legal frameworks and institutional inaction can contribute to cycles of impunity, allowing targeted violence against minorities to persist over time without adequate accountability.
Legal Frameworks, State Responsibility, and Access to Justice
The first panel examined the legal and institutional conditions enabling violence against religious minorities in Bangladesh, situating recent incidents within both domestic law and international human rights obligations. Discussions underscored the tension between Bangladesh’s constitutional commitment to secularism and equality and the lived reality of minority communities facing persistent insecurity.
Speakers analyzed how blasphemy-related provisions, coupled with broader legislation such as property and security laws, have been applied in ways that facilitate impunity rather than protection. Particular attention was given to administrative practices that enable dispossession, prolonged detention without due process, and the erosion of oversight mechanisms. Panelists highlighted that violence often unfolds not only through overt acts but also through bureaucratic processes that marginalize minorities and restrict access to remedies.
The discussion further addressed the collapse or weakening of national accountability structures, including the absence of effective human rights oversight, and its consequences for victims seeking justice. Several speakers emphasized that international human rights standards impose clear obligations on states to prevent communal violence, investigate allegations promptly, and ensure accountability. The panel concluded that without credible investigations and independent judicial follow-through, cycles of violence are likely to persist, reinforcing fear and displacement among minority communities.
Media, Narratives, and the Role of Civil Society
The second panel focused on the role of media ecosystems in shaping public understanding of violence against religious minorities, both within Bangladesh and internationally. Speakers examined how misinformation, selective reporting, and the rapid circulation of unverified allegations, particularly on social media platforms, have contributed to the escalation of mob violence.
Panelists discussed evidence showing significant disparities in international media coverage, noting that incidents affecting minorities in Bangladesh often receive limited or inconsistent attention compared to other global crises. This uneven visibility was described as having tangible consequences, including delayed international responses and weakened diplomatic pressure.
At the same time, the panel highlighted the growing importance of civil society documentation, independent journalism, and diaspora-driven digital advocacy in countering silence and denial. Contributors reflected on ethical challenges faced by journalists and communicators, including the risk of re-traumatization, narrative polarization, and the politicization of religious identity. The discussion emphasized that accurate, sustained reporting remains essential not only for public awareness but also for evidentiary purposes in international human rights processes.
International Responses and Accountability
The third panel turned to the international dimension, examining how global and regional actors have engaged with the human rights situation in Bangladesh. Discussions centered on the roles of the United Nations, the European Union, and national governments in monitoring, reporting, and responding to violations affecting religious minorities.
Speakers presented detailed documentation of patterns of violence, displacement, and institutional failure, stressing that these developments raise concerns under multiple international legal instruments, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and core human rights treaties. The panel explored the challenges of translating documentation into effective international action, particularly in contexts where political and economic considerations compete with human rights commitments.
Participants also examined transnational dynamics, including the spread of extremist narratives across borders and their implications for minority protection beyond Bangladesh. The discussion highlighted the need for consistent monitoring, credible data collection, and principled engagement that avoids selective application of human rights standards. While views differed on the feasibility of specific international measures, there was broad agreement that sustained attention and coherence across international mechanisms are necessary to prevent further deterioration.
Moderation and Contributions
The conference was moderated by Harry van Bommel, who guided the discussions across three panels and facilitated exchanges between speakers and participants. The panels featured contributions from, among others, Paulo Casaca, Dr. Habibe Millat, Priyajit Debsarkar, Andy Vermaut, Nawin Ramcharan, Dina-Perla Portnaar, Prof Chandan Sarkar, Fareed Ahmad, and Rahman Khalilur Mamun.
The diversity of professional backgrounds and perspectives enriched the discussions and underscored the complexity of the challenges facing religious minorities, linking local realities to regional and international dynamics.
In her closing address, Wiktoria Walczyk GHRD’s Head Coordinator, drew together the conference’s central findings, underscoring the widening gap between Bangladesh’s constitutional guarantees and the lived reality of religious minorities, and emphasising the need for sustained international attention grounded in evidence, accountability, and human rights law.
Conclusion
The conference reaffirmed that the situation in Bangladesh merits sustained international attention. Participants emphasised that protecting religious minorities is not solely a domestic concern but a matter of international human rights responsibility.
By bringing together legal analysis, empirical evidence, and first-hand testimony, the conference contributed to a clearer understanding of the patterns of violence affecting minority communities and the obligations of states and international actors to respond in line with international human rights standards.
Read more about this event here.
