- Bangladesh Minority Janata Party: A New Electoral Force for 2026
- Safety Through Representation
- Minorities Seek Direct Power Amidst Unrest
- Religious minorities primarily Hindus, Buddhists, and Christians
In a significant shift within the political landscape of Bangladesh, the Bangladesh Minority Janata Party (BMJP) has emerged as a formal political entity. Registered by the Bangladesh Election Commission on April 9, 2025, the party represents a strategic move by religious and ethnic minorities to secure their safety and constitutional rights through direct political representation.
Origins and Mission
While the BMJP was originally launched in 2017 at the National Press Club in Dhaka, it operated for years without official registration. The party was founded by a core group of 101 members with the goal of ending discrimination against religious minorities primarily Hindus, Buddhists, and Christians as well as ethnic minorities. The party’s ideology is rooted in secularism, democracy, and social justice. Its central slogan, “Joy to win the humanity,” reflects a focus on human rights over communal division. Under the leadership of President Sukriti Kumar Mandal, the party has adopted the Rocket as its electoral symbol.
Objectives: The Five-Point Agenda
The BMJP has articulated a clear platform aimed at structural changes in the Bangladeshi state to ensure long-term security for minorities. It wants secularism should be maintained by restoring the non-communal spirit of the original 1971 Constitution. The new political entity proposed a federal system with five provinces to decentralize power and proportional representation and advocating for seats in the Jatiya Sangsad (National Parliament) to be allocated based on the population percentage of minority groups. Ensuring fundamental rights and legal protection against land seizures and religious persecution should be part in constitutional rights. BMJP wants of introducing a secular and scientific approach to national textbooks.
Political Context and the 2026 Elections
The registration of the BMJP comes at a volatile time. Following the mass uprising in August 2024 and the subsequent collapse of the Awami League government, the country has been under an interim administration led by Muhammad Yunus. With national elections scheduled for February 2026, the BMJP is preparing to contest approximately 91 out of 300 seats. The party is focusing on constituencies where the minority vote bank ranges from 20% to 60 per cent. BMJP president Mandal has indicated that the party is open to alliances with mainstream parties like the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). The rationale is that such partnerships could provide a “safety shield” for minority voters, allowing them to participate in the democratic process without fear of retaliation.
Why This Matters
For decades, minorities in Bangladesh have often been viewed as a “vote bank” for larger secular-aligned parties. By forming their own registered party, these communities are attempting to transition from being passive supporters to active decision-makers. The BMJP positions itself as the “sole voice” for the persecuted, seeking to ensure that minority safety is no longer a secondary issue but a central pillar of the national political discourse.
A Twist to India
BMJP president Sukrit Kumar Mandal said that India should change its stand on Bangladesh and only back the cause of Hindus, instead of supporting Awami League. He said that a change in stand could also lead to a change in Bangladeshmind set towards India. As per BMJP, there are 2.5 crore Hindus in Bangladesh.
Editor, Prime Post
Ravindra Seshu Amaravadi, is a senior journalist with 38 years of experience in Telugu, English news papers and electronic media. He worked in Udayam as a sub-editor and reporter. Later, he was associated with Andhra Pradesh Times, Gemini news, Deccan Chronicle, HMTV and The Hans India. Earlier, he was involved in the research work of All India Kisan Sabha on suicides of cotton farmers. In Deccan Chronicle, he exposed the problems of subabul and chilli farmers and malpractices that took place in various government departments.
Definitely it’s a good move. Indian minorities dint faced this kind of oppression, becoz Hindu Santanana Dharma never advocates this kind of atrocities.
Hope this will pave way for securing their right, to live and safeguard their properties.
Bangladesh leaders should support the move of forming BMJP. And they shouldn’t forget their nation has formed becoz of India’s support and any rhetoric against India should be snubbed in early stages.
BMJP leader suggesting Indian Govt to discard support for Shaik Hasina is unwarranted, as her asylum should be viewed as per 1951 UN Refugee Convention.