The Practice of Secularism in Bangladesh: India's Relevance

Secularism is considered a signature of progressiveness in the emerging world order. In most democracies, secularism is adopted as an inherent principle of democracy. Democracy became the symbol of modernity after the second world war in 1945. It is more pertinent to Western states. South Asian states also could not escape from the world of modernity and followed the democratic form of government. South Asian region is known for its love of culture and tradition which the people are following for centuries. Since Democracy without Secularism is like flesh without bone South Asian states adhere to the secular principle. Balancing their traditional values like religion and culture along with the progressive principle of secularism became the biggest challenge for South Asian states. One of the South Asian states which is more vulnerable to communal riots is Bangladesh. The problem of secularism is the biggest challenge in Bangladesh due to the continuous attacks on religious minorities. Along with internal factors, the activity of the Indian government is an external factor for the communal tensions in Bangladesh. This study aims to discuss the religious persecution against minorities in Bangladesh with special reference to the communal violence that happened in 2021 and 2024. The significance of this study is to analyse the India factor on the neighbouring issue and discuss how India is relevant to the communal violence that happened in Bangladesh. This study aims to explain the similar pattern of violence which is happening in both states against minorities in which Hindus in Bangladesh will be replaced with Muslims in India.