In a concerning development showcasing a surge in religious extremism and radical ideologies in Bangladesh, various Islamist factions are pressing the government to officially designate the Ahmadiyya community as “non-Muslims.” A demonstration is scheduled for November 15 in Dhaka, with the participation of clerics from Pakistan and India, including representatives from Darul Uloom Deoband.
Following the change in leadership on August 5, 2024, incidents of violence against Ahmadiyyas, Hindus, and other minority groups have escalated, instilling fear among the Ahmadiyya community in Bangladesh. The community members expressed apprehension about their safety and identity, especially given the prevailing political and social landscape in the country.
Amid preparations for the upcoming rally, there have been explicit threats of violence targeting the Ahmadiyya community, which comprises approximately a hundred thousand individuals in Bangladesh. Prominent clerics like Mufti Enayetullah Abbasi and Maulvi Mamunul Haq have issued menacing statements, emphasizing the agenda to declare Ahmadiyyas as non-Muslims.
Ahmad Tabshir Choudhury, the external affairs secretary of Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Bangladesh, highlighted the challenges faced by the community, including the relocation of their annual gathering due to security concerns stemming from local threats.
The historical context of the persecution faced by Ahmadiyyas in Pakistan was also highlighted, underscoring the systemic discrimination and violence directed at the community.
The call for action against Ahmadiyyas in Bangladesh has been spearheaded by the International Majlis Tahaffuz Khatme Nabuwwat Bangladesh, supported by Hefazat-e-Islam and other groups. The demand to label Ahmadiyyas as non-Muslims echoes similar sentiments expressed in the past, reflecting a deep-rooted opposition to the community’s religious identity.
The planned rally on November 15, expected to be a display of solidarity among clerics and supporters, has raised concerns among the Ahmadiyya community regarding their safety and rights. The involvement of influential figures from India, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia underscores the gravity of the situation and the need for vigilance in protecting minority rights in Bangladesh.