In the Asian region, Pakistan, India, Bangladesh and other countries political parties always use the religion card to increase their popularity and vote bank  while religious extremist political parties gain acceptance among the common people by regularly committing violent acts against minorities under the pretext of upholding religion.            In Pakistan, TLP has become the third largest political party due to these actions, similarly in India, BJP, RSS, Vishwa Hindu Prasad and Bajrang Dal are playing a similar political role. In Bangladesh, Jamaat-e-Islami, Hizb-ut-Tahrir, Ansar-ul-Islam and Jamiat-e-Mujahideen Bangladesh attract the public with anti-minority activities. Religious extremism has increased in Bangladesh in recent years  Which includes socio-economic inequality, political manipulation of religion, institutional weaknesses and similar reasons. Religion in Bangladesh is often used for political and financial gain, sometimes aligning with political figures, which provides power to extremist elements.

Successive governments and political parties have used religious rhetoric to mobilize voters and consolidate power. Religious extremist factions are a significant threat to national security,

As evidenced by the sporadic attacks on religious minorities, secular intellectuals and foreigners. Despite constitutional provisions for equality, minority communities, particularly Hindus, Buddhists, Christians and various ethnic groups face significant challenges in achieving effective political participation and security due to strong political extremist parties.

Due to the use of the religion card in politics, Bangladesh witnessed a rise in religious extremism from January to May 2025, which was further exacerbated by ongoing political instability. This has led to increased intolerance towards minorities, secular voices, and women's rights.

These hardline groups are forming alliances with other opposition forces, such as the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Jamaat-e-Islami, to form a potentially strong bloc in the lead-up to the 2026 national elections. Their growing influence signals a possible shift towards a more conservative and religiously governed state, • There may be further implications for freedom of expression, minority rights and gender equality in  This alliance has implicated individuals affiliated with major opposition political parties in violence and discrimination against Christians and other minorities in Bangladesh. •

The power struggle between the two main parties (Awami League and Bangladesh Nationalist Party) in the country's volatile political landscape often provides fertile ground for extremist groups to operate and target minorities. The perpetrators often enjoy a lack of justice and accountability, which further worsens the situation.

According to Asia News, representatives of the Bangladesh Christian Forum attended a meeting held at the BNP presidential office in Gulshan on October 13 to express their concerns about minorities in the upcoming elections. Reiterating the BNP's commitment to building a Bangladesh without partition, he said: "We all believe that Bangladesh is a non-sectarian country and we as a nation want to nurture and strengthen this idea."

Christian leaders expressed their desire to see candidates from their community included in the BNP's electoral lists and to have their issues reflected in the party's manifesto.They stressed that without political representation, their voices are not heard in the national decision-making process. Sanjeeb Drong, a Catholic and Secretary General of the Bangladesh Indigenous Forum, highlighted the structural barriers faced by indigenous communities.

Discussing the need to reserve seats in parliament, he said, “It is not possible for any local person to win an election based on numerical reasons.” He therefore urged parties to ensure that their election manifestos protect the rights of minorities and local communities.

It remains to be seen whether liberal political parties will take responsibility for protecting the rights of minorities or become hostages to religious extremists.