Minority Watch, Dhaka: The Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council has called for the reinstatement of 321 trainee sub-inspectors (SIs) from the 40th Outside Cadet batch, who were dismissed due to alleged disciplinary violations.
These trainees had passed the recruitment process based on merit and qualifications. However, their dismissal followed allegations of misconduct during basic training at the Sarada Police Academy in Rajshahi.
Among those dismissed, 103 belong to minority communities, including 16 women, according to the council’s acting general secretary, Manindra Kumar Nath.
The council claims that the trainees were not given a chance to defend themselves and described the dismissals as a violation of established laws and regulations. The group voiced concerns about the uncertainty surrounding the future of the affected trainees and urged the interim government, led by Prof. Muhammad Yunus, to reinstate the SIs and ensure they are given a fair opportunity to join the police force.
The Bangladesh government has been accused of discrimination against Hindu candidates in government jobs, a claim which the Chief Advisor’s (CA) Press Wing has denied.
In a statement released on January 2 through its official Facebook page, the CA Press Wing dismissed the allegations as false and baseless, asserting that the government does not discriminate against citizens based on religion.
Reports indicate that Hindu individuals are facing increasing pressure to leave government jobs, particularly in educational institutions. Hindu teachers, especially at prominent universities, are allegedly being forced to resign.
One such case involved Rontu Das, an assistant professor at Chittagong University, who reportedly received death threats and was compelled to resign. His resignation letter, detailing the discrimination he encountered, has gone viral on social media.
The pressure extends to the police force, where 252 sub-inspectors, including 91 Hindus, were dismissed from the Sharda Police Academy on charges of indiscipline. These appointments were made during the tenure of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
In addition, the October 20 pass-out parade for over 60 Assistant Superintendents of Police (ASPs) at the Sharda Police Academy was cancelled, delaying their placement in government positions.
Asit, a Hindu trainee, expressed his frustration over the situation, lamenting the discrimination he faced. He stated, “The boat sank on the shore, God! I was discriminated against in Bangladesh without any discrimination. All I can say is that God will judge and history will judge the time. History has never forgiven anyone. God is the witness.”
The Hindu community in Bangladesh has raised concerns about a growing climate of animosity, which they believe is impacting their job opportunities. However, some radical groups argue that the previous government under Sheikh Hasina favored recruits loyal to her Awami League party, and that the new government is now targeting individuals, particularly Hindus.
Additionally, a Hindu teacher in the southern Chattogram district, identified as Chandan Mahajan, was reportedly forced to resign on January 8, 2024. The incident took place at Purba Baroia Thanda Mia Chowdhury High School in Anwara Upazila, following protests fueled by rumors of blasphemy.
*Updated on January 13.