Religious minorities in Bangladesh are facing increased attacks, says a report by the US Department of State. The US asked the Bangladesh government to take the necessary steps to protect them. 

The report, which the State Department submits to the US Congress every year, evaluates religious freedom in every country in accordance with the International Religious Freedom Act 1998. 

The "2020 Report on International Religious Freedom", released this week, has mentioned a number of incidents of murder, intimidation, mass attack, and violence perpetrated against the religious minorities in Bangladesh last year.

“Members of religious minorities, including Hindus, Buddhists, and Christians, who were sometimes also members of ethnic minorities, stated the government remained ineffective in preventing forced evictions and vThese steps were also part of efforts to check militancy in the country.

Furthermore, it also highlighted the shortage of religious teachers from minorities community in Bangladesh. Students sometimes find it hard to attend mandatory religious education classes. 

Attacks on Sufis, Shias, and Hindu communities were also highlighted. The Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council (BHBCUC) said communal violence against minorities continued throughout the year, including during the COVID-19 pandemic.

(SAM)