The Constitution declares that Islam is the state religion but also guarantees that other religions may be practiced. Discrimination on the basis of religion by the state is forbidden and government positions are open to people of all faiths. Freedom of thought and conscience is guaranteed and, subject to law, public order and morality, citizens have the right to profess, practice or promulgate any religion. Religious communities are allowed to open schools, but no person in any educational institution may be forced to take religious instruction.
In spite of constitutional guarantees, some discrimination exists against members of minority religions in areas such as employment. Over the past few years there have been a number of incidents of violence directed against religious minorities including the burning of a Christian school and several churches, and attacks on Ahmadis and Hindus. There has been some growth of militant fundamentalist Muslim organizations, but for the most part relations between different religious communities is amicable.
The right to proselytize is guaranteed for citizens. Muslims who convert to another faith may be socially ostracized or beaten. Muslims who do convert to Christianity often practice their new faith in secret. Foreign missionaries may operate in the country. However, their right to proselytize is not protected by the constitution, they need to have their visas renewed each year, and their visas may not be renewed if they proselytize. Religious organizations are not required to register, but all non-governmental organizations, including religious, are required to register if they receive foreign contributions for humanitarian work.
Since 2001, the government has not recognized fatwas -- the opinions of Islamic jurists based upon Islamic law -- as a part of the official legal system. In spite of this, some punishments decreed by local religious authoriities, particularly against women for perceived moral offenses, are executed in local villages.
All religious organizations that receive foreign funds must register as non-governmental organizations subject to the oversight and review of the government ministry that oversees NGO's.
2003 U.S. State Department International Religious Freedom Report on Bangladesh
Alleanza Catholica Religious Freedom in the Majority Islamic Countries 1998 Report on Bangladesh
International Christian Concern Report on Bangladesh
Ahmadiyyas urge govt to lift ban WorldWide Religious News 4/20/04
Religious minorities decry Govt non-cooperation WorldWide Religious News 3/25/04
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