Tuesday, Dec 17, 2024 14:30 [IST]
Last Update: Tuesday, Dec 17, 2024 08:57 [IST]
Conflicts and political instability disproportionately affect women and girls, exposing them to heightened risks of violence, displacement, and exploitation. Globally, over 600 million women and girls live in conflict-affected areas, a 50% increase over the past decade. In these settings, women face increased gender-based violence, including sexual assault and forced marriages, and often lack access to essential services. In Bangladesh, the political landscape has been tumultuous following the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in August 2024. Her departure, led to a power vacuum and intensified political tensions. The interim government, headed by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, has struggled to maintain order amid rising unrest. This instability has exacerbated communal tensions, resulting in targeted attacks against minority communities, particularly Hindus. Reports indicate a significant increase in violence against minorities since Hasina's resignation. The Bangladesh government has acknowledged 88 cases of communal violence targeting minorities, primarily Hindus, with 70 individuals arrested in connection with these attacks.
The political crisis in Bangladesh underscores the vulnerabilities of minority communities and the compounded risks faced by women during periods of instability. Concerted efforts from the interim government, civil society, and the international community are essential to protect human rights and ensure justice for victims. Failure to act risks entrenching cycles of violence and discrimination, undermining the prospects for peace and development in Bangladesh.
Sheikh Hasina's departure ended her 15-year tenure, during which her party, the Awami League, maintained a dominant political position. Her resignation, prompted by mass protests and allegations of authoritarianism, left a power vacuum that intensified existing political tensions. In the immediate aftermath, minority communities, especially Hindus, faced a surge in violence. Reports indicate at least 205 attacks on minorities across 52 districts, resulting in the destruction of homes, businesses, and places of worship. These attacks have not only caused material losses but have also instilled deep fear among minority populations, leading to displacement and a pervasive sense of insecurity. The interim government, led by Muhammad Yunus, has been urged to prioritize the protection of these communities and address the escalating violence.
Gender-Based Violence Amid Conflict
Conflict situations often lead to increased gender-based violence (GBV), with women and girls being particularly vulnerable. The breakdown of law and order, coupled with societal instability, creates an environment where such violence can proliferate. In Bangladesh, the recent political turmoil has exacerbated these risks.
Globally, data indicates that women and girls constitute over 95% of conflict-related sexual violence cases. In 2023, the United Nations verified 3,688 cases of such violence, with 98% of child victims being girls.
As is often the case in conflict and crisis situations, women have been disproportionately affected by the ongoing turmoil in Bangladesh. Gender-based violence clubbed with political turmoil has surged in the wake of the attacks on minority communities. Women have faced sexual assault, forced displacement, and physical violence. The destruction of homes and community support structures has left many women and girls without shelter or protection, exposing them to further risks of exploitation.
The intersection of gender and minority identity makes women from these communities especially vulnerable. For instance, reports suggest that during the attacks on Hindu villages, women were specifically targeted for abuse as part of an effort to intimidate and humiliate their communities. The lack of effective legal recourse and societal stigma surrounding sexual violence exacerbate their suffering, leaving many survivors without justice or support.
Women in Conflict Zones: A Broader Context
The plight of women in Bangladesh mirrors a broader global pattern observed in conflict and crisis zones. Women and girls are often the first to suffer in times of instability. According to the United Nations, over 600 million women and girls live in areas affected by armed conflict, a figure that has risen by 50% over the last decade. In such situations, gender-based violence, including rape, forced marriages, and sexual slavery, becomes a weapon of war and a means of asserting control over communities.
Efforts to address the gendered impacts of conflict require multi-pronged strategies. Governments must strengthen laws protecting women and minorities, ensure accountability for perpetrators, and provide survivors with access to medical, psychological, and legal support. International organizations play a critical role in monitoring these issues and pressuring states to uphold human rights.
The ongoing crisis in Bangladesh underscores the vulnerabilities of minority communities and the compounded risks faced by women during periods of political instability. Tackling these issues requires a concerted effort from the interim government, civil society, and global actors to restore peace, ensure justice, and protect the most vulnerable. Without decisive action, the country risks descending into further violence and entrenched cycles of discrimination, undermining its democratic and social progress.
(Dr. Anee Bhattacharyya is an Assistant Professor of Political Science in Universal School of Administration, Bangalore. Views are personal. Email: aneebhattacharyya@gmail.com)
