Norwegian Refugee Council warns of religious tensions in Bangladesh

In a stark statement, the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) warned that escalating religious tensions in Bangladesh could lead to sectarian conflict, urging the country’s interim government to take decisive action against what it described as “malicious” and “anti-Islamic forces.”

According to Ghalib Ihsan, NRC’s Assistant Secretary, certain groups are working to portray Muslims as a threat, aiming to incite division and justify attacks against them. The tensions reportedly stem from an incident at the Amar Ekushey Book Fair, where two students chanting the nationalist slogan “Joy Bangla” were assaulted.

The NRC considers this event part of a broader effort to target Muslims. The controversy is linked to “Chompan – The Kiss,” a book by Taslima Nasrin, known for her criticism of Islam. The NRC accused publisher Sabyasachi of promoting anti-Islamic ideologies, sparking outrage among activists.

International media coverage, particularly from India, was also criticized for misrepresenting events. The NRC urged a transparent investigation and firm action to prevent further escalation.