Growing Islamophobia In Bangladesh: A Silent Crisis

The past decade has witnessed a troubling rise in Islamophobia across Bangladesh, manifesting in various forms—from physical assaults on university campuses to subtle discrimination in the workplace. Several incidents highlight the deep-seated prejudice against devout Muslims, which fuels a climate of fear and impacting both education and professional opportunities. Therefore, mentioning case studies and research findings, this article shows the growing islamophobia in Bangladesh.

Case 1: The Dhaka Polytechnic Institute Incident

In 2015, a distressing episode unfolded at the Dhaka Polytechnic Institute that epitomizes the malaise gripping educational institutions. A student and his batchmate were seeking shelter from the rain when they were ostensibly racially profiled by student league (student political party) members. The students’, who were taking shelter from rain, Punjabi attire and beard drew suspicion, leading to an unsolicited search of his mobile phone. Upon discovering that he followed Facebook pages critical of the government. Later, the student league workers branded him a member of Shibir, an Islamist student organization, and subjected him to physical violence.

"I was terrified," the student recounts, "They beat us and threatened to hand us over to the police. We had to beg for forgiveness just for our appearance and beliefs. We were not involved in any party. They beat us merely for our attire"

The assault was not an isolated incident but part of a broader pattern of harassment faced by many students in Bangladesh. The implicit endorsement from authorities, who turn a blind eye under the pretense of maintaining secularism, exacerbates the situation. This particular student was coerced into abandoning his educational aspirations after resolving the issue through politically connected seniors.

Who does not know the tragic case of Abrar Fahad, a student from BUET, further underscores the issue. Fahad was brutally murdered by student league members for expressing opinions against perceived Indian imperialism. His devotion to Islamic practices—praying and reading the Quran—was misinterpreted as subversive, leading to deadly consequences.

Case 2: Discrimination in the Professional Realm

In March 2024, another alarming instance of Islamophobia came to light during a job interview at a prominent development organization in Bangladesh. An applicant, noted for his superior research skills, was confronted with an unexpected and personal question: "Are you going to expand your beard or not?" When he affirmed his intention to do so, it foreshadowed his subsequent rejection for the project.

Despite being the most qualified among his colleagues, his beard became a stigmatic symbol, overshadowing his professional competence. Instead, candidates with less experience and no visible religious markers were chosen.

Such discriminatory practices reflect a disturbing trend within professional environments, where personal appearance and religious expression are becoming unwelcome. The internal biases harbored by even the most reputed organizations reveal a deeper societal issue that extends beyond mere workplace etiquette.

Widespread Discrimination: Classroom and Beyond

A recent study has shed light on another facet of this issue. According to findings by researchers from Michigan State University and the World Bank, students with madrasa backgrounds and those donning religious attire, such as tupi, panjabi, and sporting beards, face significant discrimination in classrooms and the job market. This discrimination is not only demotivating but also pushes many to consider settling abroad, thereby leading to a brain drain, which was investigated by another study.

Graduates with Dakhil/Alim madrasa backgrounds from institutions like Dhaka University encounter job market discrimination despite possessing qualifications equivalent to their peers from general schools. In NGOs, while women wearing hijabs don't face much discrimination, men with beards, tupis, or madrasa backgrounds are less likely to receive interview calls.

"The media and corporate sectors exhibit the highest levels of discrimination concerning religious clothing," the study notes, highlighting the pervasive nature of these biases. This is particularly alarming in a nation that prides itself on diversity and inclusion.

A Way Forward

Addressing this burgeoning crisis requires a multifaceted approach. First, educational institutions must implement strict anti-discrimination policies and ensure robust enforcement to protect students from Islamophobic harassment. Second, professional organizations need to foster inclusive environments that value competence and skills over personal appearance or religious beliefs.

Public awareness campaigns could also play a pivotal role in mitigating prejudices and fostering a culture of respect and understanding. Only through concerted efforts at all levels of society can Bangladesh hope to stem the tide of Islamophobia and ensure that all citizens, regardless of their religious practices, can pursue their dreams without fear.

Therefore, the rise of Islamophobia in Bangladesh is a silent but escalating crisis that threatens to unravel the social fabric of the nation. As illustrated by the cases from the Dhaka Polytechnic Institute and a reputed development organization, the prejudice against devout Muslims is pervasive and damaging. It is imperative for both the government and civil society to recognize and combat this insidious form of discrimination, ensuring that Bangladesh remains a land of opportunity and equality for all its citizens.

About the authors:

• Md. Obaidullah, Graduate Assistant, Department of Political Science, University Of Southern Mississippi, USA He can be reached at buobaidullah@gmail.com
• Meherab Hossain, Research Assistant, Centre for Advanced Social Research, Dhaka