Is there an alarming rise in attacks on minorities in Bangladesh?
Synopsis
The escalating violence against minority communities in Bangladesh has raised serious alarms among human rights organizations. Recent incidents of murder, theft, and mob attacks highlight a crisis that demands urgent attention as the national elections approach.
Key Takeaways
Significant rise in attacks on minority communities in Bangladesh.
At least 51 incidents of violence were reported in December alone.
Communal violence is escalating as the February elections approach.
Human rights organizations are calling for urgent action.
International concern is growing regarding the safety of minorities.
Dhaka, Jan 7 (NationPress) The Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council, a prominent human rights organization dedicated to combatting religious discrimination, has voiced serious apprehension regarding the surge of attacks on minority groups throughout Bangladesh.
The organization emphasized that communal violence is escalating alarmingly as the national elections in February approach.
In a statement, the council highlighted the increasing violence against minorities in Bangladesh over the past year, noting, "In December alone, there were at least 51 violent incidents. This included 10 murders, 10 thefts and robberies, 23 cases involving the appropriation of homes, businesses, temples, and land, alongside incidents of looting and arson. Furthermore, there were 4 instances of detention and torture stemming from religious defamation, 1 attempted rape, and 3 cases of physical assault."
Earlier on Tuesday afternoon, merchants from Charsindur Bazar staged a human chain organized by the local market association, urging the swift identification and arrest of those responsible for the murder of Moni Chakraborty, a 40-year-old Hindu grocery store owner.
The association remarked that community members are increasingly living in fear after the attacks on minority homes and businesses in Chittagong and Pirojpur districts in December 2025, as reported by bne IntelliNews.
According to local police, Chakraborty was assaulted near Charsindhur Bazar in Palash Upazila of Narsingdi district on Monday night while returning home after closing his shop. He collapsed at the scene and was pronounced dead after being taken to Palash Upazila Health Complex.
On the same day, another Hindu businessman, Rana Pratap Bairagi, aged 38, was shot dead in public in Monirampur Upazila of Jashore district.
Amid intensifying attacks on minorities, another Hindu man tragically perished after jumping into a canal while fleeing a mob that accused him of theft in Mohadevpur Upazila of Naogaon district, according to the Daily Manobkantha.
The victim, identified as Mithun Sarkar, 25, lost his life in this alarming incident that occurred on Tuesday afternoon in the Chakgori area of the upazila.
This incident marked the seventh violent occurrence in just 19 days and the third incident that week, underlining a disturbing trend of violence against Hindu communities throughout Bangladesh.
Previously, on Saturday, another Hindu man, Khokon Chandra Das, died following a brutal assault by a mob in Damudya Upazila of Shariatpur district.
Last week, Bajendra Biswas, 40, was shot dead by a colleague in Bhaluka Upazila of Mymensingh district.
On December 24 last year, reports emerged regarding the death of another Hindu youth, Amrit Mondal, 29, who was allegedly lynched by a mob in the Hossaindanga area of Kalimohar Union in Bangladesh.
Additionally, on December 18 last year, a 25-year-old Hindu youth, Dipu Chandra Das, was brutally killed in a mob lynching incident due to false blasphemy accusations from a Muslim coworker at his factory in Bhaluka Upazila of Mymensingh.
On December 26, 2025, India expressed deep concern over the ongoing, relentless hostility against minorities in Bangladesh, including Hindus, Christians, and Buddhists, asserting that it is closely monitoring the developments in its neighboring country.
Point of View
It is crucial to highlight the urgent need for protection and support for minority communities in Bangladesh. The alarming rise in violence must not only be acknowledged but addressed with concrete action to ensure the safety and rights of all citizens, regardless of their faith.
NationPress
19 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current situation of minorities in Bangladesh?
The situation is critical, with rising incidents of violence against minority communities, especially as the national elections approach.
What actions are being taken to protect minorities?
Human rights organizations are actively raising concerns and calling for protection measures from the government.
Why is there an increase in violence against minorities?
The increase is linked to political tensions and a rise in communalism as elections approach.
What can be done to improve the safety of minorities?
Increased law enforcement presence, community engagement, and legal protection are crucial for improving safety.
How is the international community responding?
Countries like India have expressed concern and are monitoring the situation closely.
