About Us
In 2020, at a critical juncture for our nation's democratic journey, Secular Citizens Bangladesh was founded with an urgent purpose: to champion reason, defend human rights, and reclaim the secular, pluralistic spirit upon which our country was born. We saw a growing need for a fearless, independent platform that could challenge rising intolerance and advocate for a society guided by evidence, empathy, and justice for all.
We are a unique hybrid: a rigorous think tank and an unflinching human rights forum. As a think tank, we conduct data-driven research, publish in-depth policy analyses, and foster critical dialogue on pressing issues—from the separation of state and religion to the importance of scientific education. Our goal is to equip policymakers, journalists, and the public with the knowledge needed to build a more progressive and rational society.
As a human rights forum, we move from analysis to action. We document abuses, stand in solidarity with victims of persecution, and advocate fiercely for the rights of religious and ethnic minorities. We amplify the voices of the marginalized and use legal and public campaigns to fight for a Bangladesh where every citizen is safe, equal, and free.
Learn more about our organizationOur Mission
- ✓To champion and defend the constitutional principle of secularism by advocating for the complete separation of religion and state
- ✓To promote a culture of critical thinking, scientific temper, and free inquiry across all sections of society
- ✓To protect and advance the universal human rights of all Bangladeshis, with a special focus on freedom of expression, thought, and conscience
- ✓To conduct rigorous, evidence-based research on issues of religious extremism, communal harmony, social justice, and democratic governance
- ✓To build a broad-based, inclusive movement for secularism and humanism by engaging in public education, community outreach, and strategic litigation
Our Vision
We envision a Bangladesh where our differences are our greatest strength. A nation where every mind is free to question, every voice is empowered to speak, and every citizen is judged not by their faith, but by their humanity. Together, we are building a just, rational, and vibrant future, reclaiming the progressive spirit upon which our country was born.
Board Members
Featured Podcasts
Rewriting the Republic: Who Benefits from Bangladesh’s Constitutional Crisis?
In this episode of the South Asia Democratic Forum podcast, host Tapas Kanti Baul sits down with Barrister Tania Amir, senior advocate of the Supreme Court of Bangladesh and renowned human rights activist, to explore the deepening constitutional crisis in Bangladesh. One year into the Yunus regime, the country faces unprecedented legal and political upheaval. From the removal of secularism to the silencing of dissent and judicial purges, the regime’s actions reflect a troubling pattern of constitutional manipulation.
SADF Podcast: Faith and Freedom: The Battle for Secularism in Bangladesh
In this compelling episode, we welcome **Professor Masum Billah**, Visiting Fellow at Cote D' Azure University, Nice, France. Professor Billah shares his deep concerns about the future of secularism in Bangladesh, a core ideal from the nation's war of independence. He warns that without a cultural renaissance, Bangladesh risks becoming an extreme country. Professor Billah highlights the atrocities committed against religious and ethnic minorities in Bangladesh post-August 5, 2025, and criticizes the prevailing mobocracy culture. He passionately advocates for the establishment of a *Minority Rights Commission* and a **Ministry of Minority Affairs**, along with the enactment of protective laws to ensure a discrimination-free society and justice for minorities.