A UN Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief has found “serious problems” in the implementation of the principles of secularism and democracy in Bangladesh. “Inconsistencies can be found at the level of the constitution itself, which, in article 2A, proclaims Islam as the State religion,” Heiner Bielefeldt said at a press briefing before wrapping up his 10-day visit to Bangladesh on Wednesday afternoon. He was the first UN official of that position to visit Bangladesh and assessed the state of freedom of religion or belief after May 2000. He met government representatives, civil society activists, members of religious communities, and many other interlocutors during his stay. He would file his final report to the UN human rights council in March next year. Bielefeldt said the Bangladesh Constitution enshrined the principle of secularism, but at the same time proclaimed Islam as the official State religion.
He believed that it gave “rise to ambiguities that have a direct impact on human rights in the country, including the protection of religious minorities”.
“Secularism in Bangladesh represents a commitment, entrenched in the Constitution, to create and uphold an open and inclusive space for religious diversity, free from fear and discrimination.
“Such an ‘inclusive’ understanding of secularism requires the State authorities to take concrete action and make long-term investments in education, civil society development, minority outreach programmes and other activities,” he said.
He said during his discussions with the government representatives he sensed a general commitment to upholding secularism.
“In practice, however, things are more ambiguous,” he said.
“Even civil society activists who, in principle, agreed with the secular political agenda of the current government have expressed feelings of alienation and frustration,” Bielefeldt added, according to bdnews24.com.
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