Tue Nov 26 12:56:44 UTC 2024: ## Bangladesh: Fears Rise of Jizya Tax on Hindus After Coup
**DHAKA, BANGLADESH** – Following a recent coup, rising Islamic extremism in Bangladesh has sparked concerns over the potential reintroduction of a jizya tax on Hindus. A prominent figure, Mo. Mamunul Haque, national secretary of the Bangladesh Khilafat Majlis, has openly discussed the imposition of such a tax, which historically targeted non-Muslims under Islamic rule. While Haque frames it as a “service tax,” critics see it as a revival of the discriminatory jizya tax, levied during the Mughal Empire under Aurangzeb.
This statement has fueled anxieties within the Hindu community, who report escalating daily hardships since the coup. Haque’s comments, far from being isolated incidents, reflect a broader trend of hateful rhetoric and increased insecurity among non-Muslim populations. His advocacy for the implementation of Sharia law further exacerbates these fears.
The lack of government condemnation of these statements is raising questions about complicity. Many believe the current administration is tacitly allowing, or even encouraging, these extremist views. The situation highlights a growing crisis of religious intolerance and raises serious concerns about the safety and security of Bangladesh’s Hindu minority. The international community is urged to closely monitor the situation and take appropriate action.
First Piper 