Bangladesh

The constitution of Bangladesh includes freedom of religion, and the country does not have blasphemy laws or an anti-conversion bill. Yet the constitution also confirms that the state religion is Islam, and the government is known to give in to Islamic pressure. Additionally, there are fatwas implemented all over the country, especially in rural areas, and there are demands to introduce Sharia law in order to show that the country belongs to the “House of Islam.” Due to the killing of four secular bloggers, an Italian and a Japanese citizen and, most recently, a secular publisher in October 2015 – all instituted by radical Islamic groups – led the government to declare war against radical elements. As the Christian minority is growing, it faces more and more restrictions and challenges. This pressure is not driven by the government, but by radical Islamic groups, local religious leaders and families. The competition between the large political parties of the country is also a factor, as the government is pressured to give in to demands from Islamic groups taking to the streets in protest.