Staff Writer, Al Hakam
Bangladesh is currently engulfed in widespread political turmoil, with Ahmadi Muslims also finding themselves in an increasingly precarious situation. Disturbing images and horrifying reports from the general public are circulating on social media platforms revealing a grim picture of the crisis.
One Ahmadi witness writes on social media: “They are inside Jamia with 40 other students. Rioters attempted to break down the Jamia gate using a gas cylinder and set the gate on fire.” The account continues, “The army eventually arrived, causing the rioters to leave the area.”
Background
For those unfamiliar with the current crisis, the question may arise: How did the situation deteriorate to this point, and what exactly is transpiring?
The current crisis has its roots in a June 2024 decision by the Supreme Court of Bangladesh to reinstate a controversial quota system. This system reserved 30% of government jobs for descendants of those who fought in Bangladesh’s 1971 war of independence. The decision was met with widespread dissatisfaction among students, who viewed it as unjust. Their discontent with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her Bangladesh Awami League government quickly escalated into a nationwide anti-government reform movement, spearheaded primarily by university students.
As the protests intensified, violent clashes erupted between demonstrators and the student wing of the ruling party. The situation further escalated when police attempted to quell the unrest, ultimately spiralling beyond the government’s control. The scale of the violence and its impact on the country became increasingly apparent, as evidenced by recent media reports.
Just two days ago, Al Jazeera reported:
“At least 91 people have been killed, including 13 police officers, and dozens more injured in a new round of violence in Bangladesh as police fired tear gas and lobbed stun grenades to disperse tens of thousands of protesters who returned to the streets to ask Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to resign.” (“At least 90 killed as Bangladesh protesters renew call for Hasina to quit”, www.aljazeera.com)
The crisis reached a critical point on 5 August 2024, when Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was forced to flee the country her father, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, had founded in 1971. The rapid escalation of events was further illustrated by another Al Jazeera report:
“Hasina resigned after weeks of protests against quotas for government jobs flared into nationwide unrest. At least 280 people were killed and thousands injured as the government cracked down on the demonstrations.” (“Bangladesh’s Sheikh Hasina forced to resign: What happened and what’s next?”, www.aljazeera.com)
With the death toll nearly tripling and a sudden leadership vacuum, Bangladesh found itself plunged into anarchy, leaving communities, including Ahmadi Muslims, particularly vulnerable.
Impact on Ahmadi Muslims of Bangladesh
In the ensuing chaos, individuals and groups perceived to have any connection to or sympathy for the former government became targets of violence. The Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat, an already persecuted minority community in Bangladesh, found itself particularly vulnerable in this volatile environment.
To gain insight into the current situation facing Ahmadi Muslims, Al Hakam spoke with Feroz Alam Sahib, In-charge Central Bangla Desk of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat. He provided a sobering account of recent events:
“In the last 24 hours alone, over 80 Ahmadi homes in Ahmednagar have been burned and demolished,” Feroz Alam Sahib reports. “Our local mosque, including its prayer hall, guesthouse, and entire ground floor was also razed to the ground.”
He continues, “The jalsa gah of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat in Bangladesh has been severely damaged. Its perimeter and stores were set ablaze, destroying numerous valuable items. Jamia Ahmadiyya, our educational institution, came under attack, resulting in injuries to many students. Fortunately, the attackers were unable to breach the building before the army intervened.”
Further detailing the extent of the damage, he said: “Thus far, 22 khuddam have been injured, with two in critical condition. Additionally, five mosques and several mu‘allim quarters have been burned and demolished.”
Highlighting the gravity of the situation he adds: “It is rather unfortunate to note that there is no functional government; no one is at the helm to control the situation in our beloved homeland.”
Hope for the future
When asked about the future prospects for Ahmadis in Bangladesh, Feroz Alam Sahib said
“The situation remains extremely tense. Our Community is small, and we remain vulnerable against potential attacks; there’s no law and order. Our members are watching their homes burn and are understandably very anxious. However, our spiritual leader, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa, has provided guidance and encouraged us to seek solace in prayer.”
Despite the immediate challenges, Feroz Alam Sahib maintains a sense of long-term optimism, stating:
“The Promised Messiahas has prophesied that our Jamaats’s future is divinely secured, even in the face of hostility and adversity. While we may face temporary setbacks, as all divinely guided communities do, we believe we will ultimately progress. Our Community in Bangladesh accepts that we may have to make sacrifices. However, we maintain faith that, by Allah’s grace, something positive will emerge from this crisis.”
The plight of the Ahmadi Muslims in Bangladesh highlights the broader challenges facing various groups amidst political upheaval. As the country grapples with a leadership vacuum and widespread unrest, it serves as yet another example of the global leadership crisis. Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih Vaa has consistently warned about the spread of such unrest worldwide. We hope and pray that the situation calms down for not only Ahmadis but all citizens of Bangladesh.