The Hindu minority in Bangladesh experiences a precarious socio-political landscape shaped by structural violence and partisan dynamics. While their alignment with the Awami League (AL) demonstrates agency and strategic decision-making, it also exposes them to greater risks during periods of political upheaval. For instance, A total of 1,068 houses and business establishments belonging to minorities, mostly Hindus, were attacked following the fall of Sheikh Hasina on August 5, 2024, until August 20, 2024. Among these, at least 506 properties were owned by individuals affiliated with Awami League politics.
Robert Ted Gurr’s seminal works, Why Men Rebel and Minorities at Risk, offer valuable insights into how systemic deprivation, perceived threats, and grievances drive marginalized communities into cycles of vulnerability. However, Gurr’s framework often portrays minorities as passive victims of structural oppression, overlooking their agency and active roles in shaping their socio-political realities. For example, the experiences of the Hindu minority in Bangladesh illustrate a subtle narrative. Historically, the Hindu community has largely aligned itself politically with the AL, perceiving it as a secular alternative to Islamist ideologies. The AL’s rhetoric and policies often create a sense of security for Hindus which reinforces their loyalty. Yet, this alignment also exposes them to significant risks which can be noted as a paradox that reflects the complex ‘politics of minority’ identities. During political transitions or crises, Hindus in Bangladesh frequently face disproportionate violence, land dispossession, and social ostracism. Such acts are allegedly carried out by groups across the political spectrum, irrespective of their secular or religious tendencies. This recurring pattern highlights the precarious position of minorities, caught between opposing ideological forces – like being trapped between a crocodile and a snake.
In response, both government and non-government actors in Bangladesh adopt varied strategies to address these issues, often influenced by the dynamics of Hindu-majority India and its relationship with Bangladesh. These interconnected responses underscore the intricate and often paradoxical realities of minority politics........