Comparative Analysis of Freedom of Thought, Conscience, and Religion in India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh

Authors

• Abhishek Chakrabarti, Northwestern University Pritzker School of LawFollow

Abstract

The freedom of thought, conscience, and religion is a fundamental human right enshrined in Article 18 of The Universal Declaration on Human Rights (UDHR). However, religious minorities in South Asia are often deprived of this fundamental right. Muslims in India, Ahmadiyyas, Hindus, and Christians in Pakistan, and Hindus in Bangladesh face challenges including educational marginalization, economic and political marginalization, and social stigma in the society. The Note presents a comparative analysis of the freedom of thought, conscience, and religion across the three most populous countries in South Asia–India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh–that also share a long cultural, linguistic, and religious history. Moreover, the Note also presents three recommendations to ensure that the state of freedom of thought, conscience, and religion in these three neighboring South Asian countries can be improved.

Recommended Citation

Abhishek Chakrabarti, Comparative Analysis of Freedom of Thought, Conscience, and Religion in India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, 24 Nw. J. Hum. Rts. 51 (2026).
https://scholarlycommons.law.northwestern.edu/njihr/vol24/iss1/2