Dhaka, Bangladesh: The passing of Begum Khaleda Zia, the three-time Prime Minister and chairperson of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), marks the end of a definitive chapter in the nation’s history. While millions mourn the “Begum,” her death at age 80 comes at a time of extreme vulnerability for Bangladesh’s Hindu minority, who view her legacy through a lens of historical trauma and current uncertainty.
A Legacy Haunted by 2001
For many in the Hindu community, the name Khaleda Zia is inextricably linked to the post-election violence of 2001. Following the BNP-Jamaat alliance’s landslide victory that year, Hindu households across the country faced systematic attacks. Perceived as a support base for the rival Awami League, thousands of Hindus were subjected to arson, land grabbing, and physical violence, leading to a significant exodus to India.
“We remember 2001 not as a political transition, but as a period of fear,” says a community leader in Dhakeshwari. “The alliance with extremist elements during her tenure remains a deep-seated concern for our safety.”
The Current Climate: “Unremitting Hostilities”
Khaleda Zia’s death occurs against a backdrop of rising communal tension. Just days ago, India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) expressed “grave concern” over what it termed “unremitting hostilities” against minorities in Bangladesh.
The recent lynching of a Hindu man in Mymensingh on December 18 and another in Rajbari on December 24 have sent shockwaves through the community. According to independent reports, over 2,900 incidents of violence against minorities have been documented since the interim government took charge in August 2024.
Tarique Rahman’s “Inclusive” Promise
With Khaleda Zia’s passing, her son and political heir, Tarique Rahman, has taken the mantle. Having recently returned from a 17-year exile, Rahman has been vocal about a “new BNP.” In recent speeches, he has stressed that “Bangladesh belongs to all—Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, and Christians alike.”
However, for the Hindu minority, these words are weighed against the reality of current events. While BNP activists have been seen guarding temples in some districts, the party’s historical ties to hardline Islamist groups remain a sticking point for many.
Looking Toward the 2026 Elections
As Bangladesh prepares for the General Elections on February 12, 2026, the death of Khaleda Zia leaves a power vacuum that could either lead to a more inclusive democratic path or further instability.
The Hindu community’s primary demands remain:
- Accountability: Justice for those involved in the recent lynchings and temple desecrations.
- Political Representation: Greater inclusion in the decision-making processes of the interim and future governments.
- Security Guarantees: Concrete measures to ensure that the 2001 violence is never repeated.
Conclusion
Khaleda Zia was a titan of Bangladeshi politics who broke barriers as the country’s first female Prime Minister. Yet, for the Hindu minority, her departure is a somber reminder of the fragile nature of secularism in the region. As the nation enters a mourning period, the minority community watches with bated breath, hoping that the “New Bangladesh” promised by the next generation of leaders includes them in its vision of peace.
