Bangladesh

Press release

European Parliament Hearing Addresses Bangladesh’s Democratic Transition and Rohingya Accountability

This press release highlights a European Parliament hearing on Bangladesh’s recent elections and ongoing efforts to ensure accountability for crimes against the Rohingya. While the elections signal a potential democratic shift, concerns remain around human rights violations, institutional reforms, and minority protections. The discussion also stressed the need for sustained international engagement on Rohingya justice and refugee protection.

Article

Menstrual Health as a Human Right – Addressing The “Pink Tax” in Pakistan

This article explores the ongoing persecution of Hindus in Bangladesh, highlighting recurring incidents of violence, including attacks on temples, homes, and individuals. It examines the gap between constitutional guarantees of secularism and the lived reality of discrimination faced by the Hindu minority. The piece argues that despite legal provisions for equality and religious freedom, systemic failures continue to expose Hindus to insecurity and targeted violence.

Press release

Parliamentary Discussion Held at the House of Commons on Bangladesh’s Political and Human Rights Situation

A parliamentary discussion titled “Bangladesh at a Crossroads: 18 Months of Interim Government and Elections,” chaired by MP Bob Blackman, addressed the political and human rights issues in Bangladesh. Key speakers included Lord Rami Ranger and Baroness Bennett, who reviewed allegations of human rights abuses, particularly the banning of Awami League activities. Blackman highlighted a decline in human rights impacting minorities, while Ranger advocated for free electoral choices. Prof. Dr. Md. Habibe Millat delivered a keynote stressing the detention of 124 MPs and activists, calling for their release and decrying the political interference in law enforcement. The forum also addressed the need for democratic restoration and international engagement, with media contact facilitated by the Global Centre for Democratic Governance.

Press release

International Conference on Human Rights Allegations in Bangladesh

An international conference on blasphemy allegations and the protection of religious minorities in Bangladesh was held on 24 January 2026 in The Hague, organized by Global Human Rights Defence. Opened by Harry van Bommel, the conference addressed violence against minorities, especially Hindus, amidst critiques of laws being misused despite no formal blasphemy law existing. Data revealed 2,829 incidents against Hindus from August 2024 to December 2025, including lynchings. Dr. Anthonie Holslag delivered the keynote address, with various panels discussing the topic. The conference concluded with calls for stronger international action to protect religious minorities, criticizing the insufficient responses from entities like the UN and EU.

Press release

The Hague Reviews Escalating Human Rights Violations Against Religious Minorities in Bangladesh

An international human rights conference in The Hague, convened by Global Human Rights Defence, addressed the crisis facing religious minorities in Bangladesh due to mob violence tied to blasphemy allegations. Keynote speaker Dr. Anthonie Holslag linked blasphemy laws to “creeping genocide,” emphasizing the impunity these laws create. The discussions highlighted the disparity between Bangladesh’s constitutional promises and the harsh realities encountered by minorities, exacerbated by media misinformation and limited international coverage. The conference emphasized the global obligation to protect religious minorities, advocating for ongoing monitoring and adherence to human rights standards, with a call for accountability and the application of international law.

Press release

International Conference on Blasphemy Allegations in Bangladesh Concluded

The Global Human Rights Defence held an international conference on January 24, 2026, in The Hague, focusing on “Blasphemy Allegations, Mob Violence and the Protection of Religious Minorities in Bangladesh.” The event discussed the rising violence against religious minorities, especially Hindus, in Bangladesh, noting over 2,829 incidents of lynching and targeted violence in 2025. Experts examined historical persecution patterns and stressed the lack of a specific blasphemy law in Bangladesh, contrasting it with strict penal code regulations. The conference also addressed the media’s role in these issues and the need for active human rights advocacy, with prominent speakers like Dr. Anthonie Holslag highlighting the urgency to protect vulnerable groups.

Anthonie Holslag
Press release

Keynote Address: The Relationship Between Blasphemy Laws, Impunity and the Phenomenon of “Creeping Genocide” in the Chittagong Hill Tracts

On February 12, Chief Advisor Muhammed Yunus reported that out of 645 incidents affecting minority communities since the 2024 Monsoon Revolution, only 71 were linked to communal violence, while most were attributed to general crime. This statement is challenged by various reports, including those from the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom, which highlight ongoing persecution of indigenous groups in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, involving sexual violence and destruction of cultural sites. The document underscores the need to reconcile conflicting data on violence, particularly regarding identity politics and blasphemy laws that may facilitate ongoing violence, referred to as “creeping genocide.” Blasphemy laws are argued to legitimize mob violence, adding to the suffering of minority communities, raising concerns about possible extreme interpretations in the context of impending elections that could lead to increased atrocities.

Press release

International Conference in The Hague Examines Escalating Human Rights Violations Against Religious Minorities in Bangladesh

Global Human Rights Defence (GHRD) organized a conference in The Hague addressing human rights violations against religious minorities in Bangladesh. The event, titled “Blasphemy Allegations, Mob Violence and the Protection of Religious Minorities in Bangladesh,” focused on violence linked to blasphemy allegations and the legal frameworks sustaining impunity. It underscored the importance of international responses, legal accountability, and accurate media coverage to protect minority rights. Conference participants highlighted the need for ongoing international engagement to reconcile constitutional protections with the real-life challenges faced by these minorities in Bangladesh.

Press release

Bangladesh, between the Ditch and Deep Blue Bay

On February 12, 2026, Bangladesh is set for general elections and a constitutional referendum following the Monsoon uprising that ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Since August 2024, Professor Dr. Muhamad Yunis has led the country. The Bangladesh Jamat E Islami, in partnership with the Nationalist Children Party, seeks a religious transformation, raising issues surrounding women’s representation as they have not nominated female candidates despite claims of future equality. The new leadership has coincided with a rise in violence against minorities, heightening fears of oppression. The elections are crucial for the nation’s identity amid increasing conservative ideologies, with the election date highlighting tensions with International Mother Language Day and reflecting the conflict between historical legacy and future direction.

Article

Religious Persecution of Hindus in Bangladesh

This article explores the ongoing persecution of Hindus in Bangladesh, highlighting recurring incidents of violence, including attacks on temples, homes, and individuals. It examines the gap between constitutional guarantees of secularism and the lived reality of discrimination faced by the Hindu minority. The piece argues that despite legal provisions for equality and religious freedom, systemic failures continue to expose Hindus to insecurity and targeted violence.

6th GHRD International Film Festival: Human Trafficking Edition
Submission Deadline: 9th August 2026
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