In a stark warning, former Bangladesh Information Minister Mohammad Ali Arafat has raised the alarm over a dangerous escalation in targeted violence against the country's religious minorities. He asserts that radical Islamist groups are systematically attacking Hindu and Christian communities, threatening the nation's social fabric.
Ideological War Against Diversity
Arafat did not mince words, directly blaming radical Islamist forces for the campaign. He stated these elements are specifically targeting Hindu homes, businesses, and shrines, alongside other minority communities. Their stated goal, according to the former minister, is nothing less than the elimination of Bangladesh's diversity and the imposition of a singular, dominant ideology.
He connected the current perpetrators to a dark chapter in the nation's history. Arafat described them as the ideological descendants of the collaborators from 1971, who aided the Pakistani army during the Liberation War. This historical reference underscores the severity of the threat he is highlighting.
Attacks as Political Insurgency
The former minister framed the violence within a broader political context. He characterized the events of July 2024 as a full-scale insurgency against the government led by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. This framing elevates the incidents from isolated attacks to a coordinated challenge against state authority.
Arafat further claimed that these radical groups harbour deep-seated grudges against both the ruling Awami League and neighbouring India. He issued a scathing critique of the current political process, alleging that the government seeks to hand power to the opposition BNP and dismissing recent elections as a mere "show."
Cultural Institutions Under Fire
Beyond direct attacks on people and property, Arafat highlighted an assault on Bangladesh's cultural heritage. He pointed to ongoing attacks on cultural institutions as part of the same strategy to erase pluralism. This indicates a multi-front offensive aiming to reshape the nation's identity.
Concluding with a vow, the former minister pledged to work towards restoring democracy and, crucially, preventing Bangladesh from descending into destruction. His statement serves as both a dire warning and a call to action for those who support a secular, diverse Bangladesh.
