According to the 2013 census, Sunni Muslims constitute 89 percent of the population and Hindus 10 percent. The remainder of the population is predominantly Christian (mostly Roman Catholic) and Theravada-Hinayana Buddhist.

Is Islam the main religion in Bangladesh?

The major religion in Bangladesh is Islam (90.4%), but a significant percentage of the population adheres to Hinduism (8.5%) as per the 2011 census ; other religious groups include Buddhists 0.6%, (mostly Theravada), Christians (0.3%, mostly Roman Catholics), and Animists (0.2%).

Is Bangladesh Sunni or Shia?

Most Muslims in Bangladesh are Sunnis, but there is a small Shia community. Most of those who are Shia reside in urban areas. Although these Shias are few in number, Shia observance commemorating the martyrdom of Muhammads grandson, Husain ibn Ali, is widely observed by the nations Sunnis.

What is the state religion of Bangladesh?

The constitution designates Islam as the state religion but upholds the principle of secularism. It prohibits religious discrimination and provides for equality for all religions.

Can Shia go Hajj?

In 2009 a group of Shiites on their way to perform hajj pilgrimage (one of the five pillars of Islam that all able-bodied Muslims are required to perform once in their lives) in Mecca were arrested by Saudi religious police due to the involvement in a protest against the Saudi government.

Do Shia pray towards Kaaba?

Worshipers face the Kaaba in Mecca when praying. Like Maliki Sunnis and Shias, pray with hands open to their sides.

Are Shias allowed to go to Mecca?

The annual hajj pilgrimage is one of the pillars of Islam. According to religious tenets, every Muslim is duty bound to visit Mecca. The absence of Iranian Shiites during the pilgrimage will further widen the rift with Sunnis; some extremist Sunni adherents accuse Shiites of not being true Muslims.