National Hindu Grand Alliance places 7-point demand for minority security

The Bangladesh National Hindu Grand Alliance has placed a seven-point demand to the Election Commission, calling for an end to the use of religion in election campaigns, ensuring a peaceful voting environment, and guaranteeing the safety of minority communities during the upcoming 13th national parliamentary election.

A delegation of the Grand Alliance met Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) A M M Nasir Uddin at the Election Commission office in Agargaon on Thursday (November 6) and formally submitted their proposals.

Following the meeting, Polash Kanti Dey, executive secretary and spokesperson of the Grand Alliance, said the CEC agreed with their concerns and assured full protection for minority communities during the election period.

“The commission has already been working on this issue and promised 100% security. The CEC said everyone should vote without fear—we’ve also pledged to exercise our civic rights,” he told reporters.

Polash added that the CEC gave a firm assurance that no one would be allowed to harass or attack minority voters, and strict action would be taken against offenders. “Every election season brings anxiety for us—especially during Durga Puja and national polls. This time, the commission has promised that perpetrators won’t go unpunished,” he said.

The organisation’s seven-point demands include strengthening security at minority homes, temples, and monasteries 10 days before and after the election; deployment of army personnel during polls; a ban on political activities and campaigning in religious institutions; prohibition on using religion for electoral gain; suspension and investigation of voting in constituencies where attacks occur; formation of a central monitoring cell to protect women and minority voters; and ensuring safe movement of voters to and from polling centres.

The CEC reportedly assured the delegation that law enforcement agencies would act decisively against any intimidation or violence targeting minority communities.