Move beyond the rhetoric on minority inclusion

Democracy risks turning into a mere numbers game if minority rights and political representation are not ensured, speakers said at a seminar held at the capital’s CIRDAP Auditorium yesterday.

The seminar, titled “Democracy for All: Minority Rights, Representation and National Elections,” was organised by the Centre for Governance Studies (CGS), where representatives from minority communities stressed that inclusive democracy is impossible without genuine political will and accountability.

Rights activist Khushi Kabir said democracy should guarantee equal and fair opportunities for everyone, but the current model is confined to power, money and the majority.

She alleged that political parties routinely violate the requirement of a minimum five percent female representation. Referring to Jamaat-e-Islami, she said, “They retain female members to maintain registration but do not truly believe in women’s leadership.”

Pallab Chakma, a representative from the CHT, said, “Political parties often mention minority and indigenous issues in their election manifestos, but they rarely engage in direct dialogue with these communities.”

Referring to the BNP’s 31-point reform outline, particularly point 16, which mentions ethnic minorities, he said, “This time, we do not want rhetoric. We want to see implementation.”

One of the presidents of the Bangladesh Hindu Bouddha Christian Oikya Parishad, Nirmal Rozario, called for “extraordinary commitment” from political leaders to ensure a safe and dignified life for minorities. 

He urged the next government to implement long-standing demands, including a minority protection law, reserved seats in parliament and the withdrawal of false cases against minorities.

Sukomal Barua, an adviser to BNP chairperson, said divisions and political polarisation continue to undermine rights-based movements. He called for broader discussions involving political thinkers, diplomats and leaders to build collective unity.

Sanjib Drong, general secretary of the Adivasi Forum, said, “It is often said that we are all human beings, but for minorities this is far more difficult than for others. Rights are fundamental, not privileges. Political parties’ election promises often include commitments to minority inclusion, however, these promises have not been realised in practice.”

CGS President Zilur Rahman said, “Democracy means a state where, even if minorities are fewer in number, their voices are heard, the state views them as assets, and gives them due importance.” 

“Everyone together achieved independence in the Liberation War. With the 2026 election approaching, the definition of democracy is now being viewed in a new way. Will the election be for everyone? Will minorities be able to vote safely? Will there be representation for all -- these questions remain.”

Basudeb Dhar, president of Bangladesh Puja Udjapan Parishad; Manindra Kumar Nath, acting general secretary of the Oikya Parishad, also spoke.