The Bangladesh National Hindu Mahajote has presented seven key demands to safeguard the rights and security of minority communities during the upcoming 13th parliamentary elections, including a call to ban the use of religion in political campaigning.
The organisation also called for strengthening security around homes, monasteries, and temples of minority communities for 10 days before and 10 days after the election.
The demands were submitted during a meeting with Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin at the Election Commission headquarters on Thursday afternoon.
Following the discussion, Palash Kanti Dey, Executive Secretary General and spokesperson of the Mahajote, told reporters that the CEC had accepted the proposals in principle and assured robust measures to ensure the safety of minority voters.
“The commission has agreed with our proposal and confirmed that it is already working on it,” Dey said. “The CEC spoke in a cordial atmosphere and emphasised that 100% security will be ensured so that members of the minority community can go to polling stations and return home safely.”
Dey highlighted longstanding concerns, noting that for the Hindu community, “elections have never been a happy occasion.” He recalled incidents of violence targeting homes, temples, and monasteries before and after past elections, regardless of the ruling party. “We are especially worried during Durga Puja and election periods,” he said. “Hindus are repeatedly made political scapegoats whenever unrest occurs.”
In response, the CEC assured that perpetrators of such attacks will not escape justice this time. “The EC’s thoughts are completely aligned with our proposals,” Dey added, quoting the CEC as saying, “This time, Durga Puja was celebrated peacefully across the country—a sign that we can ensure security during elections too.”
The seven demands include:
Strengthening security around homes, monasteries, and temples of minority communities for 10 days before and 10 days after the election.
Deployment of the army to support election security, particularly in vulnerable areas.
Prohibition of political campaigning or rallies at religious institutions belonging to minority communities.
A complete ban on the use of religion in electioneering and voter appeals.
Immediate postponement and investigation of any constituency election where attacks on minorities occur.
Establishment of a central monitoring cell dedicated to the protection of minority and women voters.
Ensuring safe and unhindered access to and from polling stations for all minority voters.
The Mahajote also called for enhanced security in high-risk areas where sporadic attacks, extortion, and intimidation have created a climate of fear among minority families. “We have demanded that no minority household should face violence or livestock theft while exercising their right to vote,” Dey said.
The CEC reportedly assured that law enforcement agencies will take strict action against any attempts to intimidate minority voters or damage their property. “If any violation occurs, the Election Commission will respond immediately and decisively,” Dey confirmed.
The meeting marks a significant effort by the Election Commission to address long-standing grievances of minority communities and uphold their constitutional right to participate freely and safely in the democratic process.