Bangladesh Election Nears Amid Escalating Hindu Minority Safety Concerns

Heightened Fears for Hindu Minority Ahead of February 12 Election

As Bangladesh prepares for its general election on February 12, 2026, significant concerns have been raised regarding the safety and security of the country's Hindu minority. Reports indicate a surge in communal violence and targeted killings, intensifying fears among the community which constitutes approximately 8% of Bangladesh's population. This election marks the first since the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's government in August 2024, with an interim administration led by Muhammad Yunus overseeing the polls.

Documented Incidents of Violence and Killings

Human rights organizations have extensively documented a disturbing pattern of attacks against Hindus in the months leading up to the election. The Rights & Risks Analysis Group (RRAG) reported the murder of at least 15 minority Hindus between December 1, 2025, and January 15, 2026, with some killings described as 'Taliban style' and victims' assets targeted.

• On December 18, 2025, a young Hindu garment worker named Dipu Chandra Das was brutally beaten to death, his body displayed, and then set on fire following allegations of blasphemy. This incident sparked outrage and fear within minority communities.
• Another victim, Sushen Chandra Sarkar, a 62-year-old rice trader, was hacked to death inside his shop on February 9, 2026.
• The Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council (BHBCUC) has recorded over 2,000 incidents of communal violence since August 2024. These incidents include 61 killings, 28 instances of violence against women (including rape), and 95 attacks on places of worship involving vandalism, looting, and arson.

Government Response and International Scrutiny

The interim government under Muhammad Yunus has faced criticism from human rights groups and Hindu leaders for allegedly downplaying or dismissing these reports of violence. Critics argue that the administration often attributes these incidents to political motives or 'disinformation campaigns' rather than acknowledging religious hostility. India's Ministry of External Affairs has also expressed concern, accusing Bangladesh of minimizing a 'disturbing pattern of recurring attacks' on Hindus.

The escalating situation prompted a congressional briefing on February 11, 2026, organized by the Coalition of Hindus of North America (CoHNA) and HinduAction. During the briefing, journalists, human rights advocates, and survivors provided testimony on what they described as escalating persecution and a 'deepening climate of fear, institutional collapse, and impunity'. Calls were made for the U.S. to publicly condemn the violence, designate Bangladesh as a 'Country of Particular Concern,' and consider imposing sanctions on Muhammad Yunus. The European Union Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) has also called for 'inclusive' and 'participatory' elections.

Political Landscape and Minority Representation

Historically, Hindus in Bangladesh have often been targeted during election periods, partly due to their perceived allegiance to the now-banned Awami League. In the current election, the main contenders, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Jamaat-e-Islami, have both engaged with Hindu voters, with Jamaat notably fielding a Hindu candidate for the first time. Despite these overtures, concerns persist among the Hindu community regarding the track records of these parties concerning minority safety. The lack of minority representation is also a concern, with only 4% of candidates in the election coming from minority backgrounds.