While Bangladesh’s interim government has made notable progress in political and administrative reforms since its formation, serious concerns persist over rising religious tensions and shrinking space for religious freedom, the US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) warned in a report released on Monday, July 21.

The report highlights how a student-led movement in July 2024 catalysed a political transformation, leading to the establishment of the current interim administration. In August of that year, Nobel Peace Prize laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus was appointed Chief Adviser with military support, initiating a wave of drives for constitutional amendments, legal reforms, and governance overhauls.

Yet, despite these changes, the USCIRF notes that deep divisions among religious communities remain, and in some cases, have intensified.

Religious minorities feel increasingly vulnerable

In May 2025, a USCIRF delegation visited Dhaka, meeting with government officials, civil society leaders, and members of religious minority communities. Their findings revealed a troubling reality: Even as the Yunus-led government publicly commits to religious freedom, many individuals, particularly from minority faiths, feel unsafe expressing their beliefs openly.

The Bangladeshi Constitution guarantees freedom of religion, but the report points to Section 195A of the Penal Code and provisions in the Cyber Security Act of 2023 as tools frequently used to file complaints over “hurting religious sentiments.” These laws carry a maximum penalty of two years in prison, and their vague wording, USCIRF warns, enables misuse and silencing of dissent.

Constitutional debate: Secularism vs pluralism

One of the most contentious issues is the ongoing constitutional reform process. A key proposal suggests replacing the word “secularism” in the Constitution’s preamble with “pluralism” – a move aimed at promoting inclusive coexistence.

However, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has rejected the change, demanding instead the restoration of the phrase “full trust and faith in Almighty Allah” – removed in earlier secular reforms.

Meanwhile, Jamaat-e-Islami and the National Citizens Party (NCP) have proposed “multiculturalism” as an alternative. Critics argue that these debates are side-lining religious minorities, who say they have little to no representation in the reform process or in state institutions.

Women’s rights reforms meet religious backlash

The Women’s Reform Commission recently submitted 433 recommendations aimed at advancing gender equality and eliminating religious-based discrimination. But the proposals, particularly the idea of introducing a uniform civil code alongside existing religious family laws, have triggered fierce opposition.

In May, Hefazat-e-Islam mobilized an estimated 20,000 supporters in a rally in Dhaka, demanding the abolition of the Women’s Reform Commission, the reinstatement of religious language in the Constitution, the withdrawal of legal cases against its leaders, and the protest underscored the growing influence of conservative religious groups in public discourse.

Rising religious influence on campuses

The report also notes a noticeable rise in conservative religious ideology on university campuses. Some female students have reported increased pressure to conform to strict dress codes and religious norms, limiting academic and social freedom.

Accountability gaps and rising risks

Despite condemning attacks on religious minorities, the government has failed to ensure accountability, USCIRF says. Weak law enforcement and delayed justice have allowed a climate of impunity to persist.

Communities such as Hindus, ethnic minorities, Ahmadiyyas, and Sufis continue to face discrimination, land seizures, and targeted violence. The commission warns that the risk of religion-motivated violence is increasing, especially with national elections on the horizon – yet the interim government has not unveiled a comprehensive strategy to prevent such incidents.

Political legacy and religious instrumentalisation

Historically, the Awami League and BNP have dominated Bangladesh’s political landscape – and both have, at times, used religious identity for political gain.

While the Awami League projects a relatively secular image, the report cites incidents of attacks on minorities during Sheikh Hasina’s tenure. The current interim government has banned Awami League activities amid reform efforts.

The BNP, meanwhile, faces criticism for its religious conservatism and past ties to Jamaat-e-Islami, a group banned during previous administrations. USCIRF notes the party’s historical alignment with Islamist forces as a concern for inclusive governance.

A call for inclusive freedom

USCIRF stresses that true reform must include all faiths. “It is imperative,” the report concludes, “that all religious communities in Bangladesh be able to practice their faith freely, without fear of persecution, legal harassment, or social exclusion.”

As the nation navigates a fragile transition, the world is watching – not just for political stability, but for whether freedom of belief will be protected as a fundamental right.