A recent report by the Rights & Risks Analysis Group (RRAG) highlights a significant increase in targeted violence, including arson and murder, against the Hindu minority community in Bangladesh. The report, covering December 2025 to January 2026, documents numerous incidents of homes and temples being set ablaze and multiple killings across several districts.
Bangladesh has officially withdrawn from the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, scheduled to be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8. The Bangladesh government cited security concerns for not permitting the national team to travel to India. Consequently, Scotland has been confirmed as their replacement in the tournament.
Bangladesh's interim government has voiced 'surprise and shock' regarding a public address by former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in New Delhi on January 23, 2026. Dhaka stated that allowing the event sets a 'dangerous precedent' for bilateral relations, especially as Hasina, a fugitive convicted in absentia, called for the overthrow of the current government.
Chanchal Bhowmik, a 25-year-old Hindu man, was tragically burnt to death while asleep in a garage in Narsingdi, Bangladesh, on Friday night. Initially thought to be an accident, CCTV footage has revealed suspicious activity, leading police to investigate the possibility of arson and foul play. No arrests have been made as the investigation continues.
The Bangladesh Labour Party has officially joined the Jamaat-e-Islami-led electoral alliance, expanding the coalition to 11 parties. The move, announced on January 24, 2026, comes ahead of the upcoming 13th parliamentary elections and a constitutional referendum scheduled for February 12, 2026, in Bangladesh.
Senior leaders from the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), National Citizen Party (NCP), and Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami have jointly participated in peace rallies in Mymensingh, Bangladesh. These rallies advocate for peaceful and responsible electoral competition ahead of the 13th national parliamentary election, scheduled for February 12, 2026.
Bangladesh's involvement in the 2026 T20 World Cup is uncertain as the nation refuses to play matches in India, citing security concerns and national pride. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) seeks a venue change to Sri Lanka, while the ICC maintains the original schedule. A decision is expected by January 21, with potential replacement by Scotland.
Bangladesh faces heightened communal anxieties and fragile law-and-order conditions leading up to the general elections and a constitutional referendum on February 12, 2026. Concerns are mounting over the credibility of the polls amidst reports of attacks on minorities and political instability under the interim government.
The Bangladesh Cricket Board has reiterated its refusal to play its 2026 T20 World Cup matches in India, citing security concerns and strained political relations. This stance follows the controversial removal of bowler Mustafizur Rahman from the IPL and ongoing geopolitical tensions, despite the ICC's independent security assessments finding no specific threats.
Tensions between India and Bangladesh have escalated significantly since late 2024, driven by political shifts, diplomatic disagreements, and economic friction. Key issues include the Teesta River dispute, reciprocal visa restrictions, trade curbs, and concerns over regional security, impacting cross-border mobility and economic ties.
Pakistan has confirmed high-level discussions with Bangladesh regarding a potential sale of JF-17 Thunder fighter jets and the establishment of a defense pact. The talks, held in Islamabad, also included the fast-tracked delivery of Super Mushshak trainer aircraft, signaling a warming of bilateral relations and Pakistan's expanding defense export ambitions.
The 30th Dhaka International Trade Fair (DITF) officially commenced on January 3, 2026, at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Exhibition Center in Purbachal. The month-long event, inaugurated by Commerce Adviser Sk Bashir Uddin, aims to boost export diversification, attract foreign investment, and promote local products, featuring 324 stalls and a ban on single-use plastics.
A cold wave swept across 17 districts of Bangladesh on January 1, 2026, with Jashore recording the country's lowest temperature at 7.8 degrees Celsius. The cold spell brought moderate to dense fog, significantly disrupting road, river, and air transport, and posing health risks to vulnerable populations.
A 35-year-old lawyer, Naim Kibria, was reportedly beaten to death in Dhaka's Bashundhara Residential Area on Wednesday night, December 31, 2025. The incident occurred after his private car collided with a motorcycle, leading to an altercation with motorcyclists and local youths. Police are investigating the incident and reviewing CCTV footage to identify the assailants.
Bangladesh has expressed strong concern over recent mob violence targeting religious minorities, including Muslims and Christians, in India. Foreign Ministry spokesperson S.M. Mahbubul Alam cited specific incidents of killings and assaults, urging Indian authorities to ensure accountability. This statement follows diplomatic friction after India raised concerns about minorities in Bangladesh.
India has strongly condemned the brutal lynching of Hindu man Dipu Chandra Das in Bangladesh's Mymensingh district and expressed grave concern over escalating violence against minorities. New Delhi also reiterated its call for free, fair, inclusive, and participatory elections in Bangladesh, emphasizing peace and stability in the neighboring nation.
The Bangladesh Minority Unity Front staged a protest in Dhaka on December 22, accusing the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government of failing to ensure security and justice for minority communities. Leaders highlighted ongoing persecution, including the recent lynching of a Hindu youth, and expressed concerns about upcoming elections.
Tarique Rahman, acting chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and son of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, is set to return to Bangladesh on December 25, 2025, after 17 years in self-imposed exile in London. His homecoming marks a significant political development ahead of the February 2026 national elections.
Bangladesh has summoned India's High Commissioner Pranay Verma to protest alleged anti-election activities orchestrated from Indian territory by former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her supporters. Dhaka expressed serious concerns over efforts to destabilize the country ahead of upcoming February elections, including incitement to violence and calls for extradition of key figures.
Bangladeshi President Mohammed Shahabuddin declared on December 11, 2025, his plan to step down midway through his term following the upcoming February 12, 2026, parliamentary election. He cited 'humiliation' and being 'sidelined' by the interim government led by Nobel laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus, pointing to instances like the removal of his official portraits from embassies.
