Dhaka, Jan 17: Violence against minorities in Bangladesh, particularly Hindus, has intensified and become more systematic ahead of upcoming elections.While attacks on minority communities have occurred sporadically since 1989, recent targeting appears relentless and planned, spreading across all eight divisions and 45 districts, according to the Human Rights Congress for Bangladesh Minorities (HRCBM). Between June 2025 and January 2026, 116 minority members were killed.
Intelligence officials say the current campaign differs from past outbreaks, which often subsided after government intervention.
Now, perpetrators seem intent on continuing until every minority is eliminated, with the attacks also serving as a provocation to India.
The surge is reportedly supported by political groups like Jamaat and enabled under the administration of Muhammad Yunus, who has provided little pressure to halt the violence.
The HRCBM report describes the killings as structural, stemming from long-term discrimination and demographic changes, with the minority population falling from 30% in 1946 to 9% in 2020.
Law enforcement has largely failed to act, showing selective enforcement and political interference, which emboldens perpetrators.
Of the incidents reported, 48% were targeted murders, 10.9% mob lynchings, 12.9% suspicious or unexplained deaths, and 6.9% involved custodial deaths, highlighting weaknesses in the justice system.
Intelligence agencies warn such violence is likely to rise further ahead of elections.
