Bangladeshi minority.

In Bangladesh, the series of targeted attacks on religious minorities, especially the Hindu community, continues without any stop. These incidents are happening at a time when the country is preparing for parliamentary elections to be held on February 12, 2026. Attacks on minorities have intensified during the tenure of the interim government that came to power after the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government in 2024. Meanwhile, Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council (Oikya Parishad) has issued a statement expressing concern.

In data released by the Oikya Parishad, there were at least 51 targeted incidents against minorities in December alone, which included 10 murders, looting, arson, attempted rape and occupation of houses and temples. The council expressed concern that these attacks appear to be part of a deliberate conspiracy to intimidate minorities ahead of the elections. In early December, there were reports of Amrit Mandal being beaten to death in Rajbari and Dipu Chandra Das being beaten to death by a mob and burning of his body in Mymensingh.

Murders in recent days

Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council (Oikya Parishad) said that many incidents have taken place in recent times. In which on January 5, Rana Kanti Bairagi, a Hindu businessman and executive editor of a newspaper, was shot dead in Jessore district. On the same day, Moni Chakraborty, a grocery shop owner in Narsingdi, was murdered with sharp weapons. On January 3, Khokan Chandra Das was brutally attacked and burnt to death in Shariatpur district. These incidents reflect a dangerous combination of weak government institutions and rising communal tensions.

Atmosphere of fear in minority community

Oikya Parishad said that these incidents reflect a dangerous combination of weak government institutions and rising communal tensions. The interim government has condemned the attacks and promised an investigation, but an atmosphere of fear persists among the minority community. The international community has also expressed concern about the security of minorities before the elections.

Expressed concern over the current situation in Bangladesh

“Bangladesh has seen political turmoil before, but the current situation, with its institutional weakness and sectarian concerns, is particularly dangerous,” the council report said. Experts believe that as the elections approach, violence may increase further, affecting the democratic process.