Attacks on religious minorities in Bangladesh have risen sharply since the 2024 political upheaval, with rights groups documenting a significant increase in violence during 2026…reports Asian Lite News Desk
Attacks on religious and ethnic minorities in Bangladesh have increased following the 2024 political upheaval that led to the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, with communal violence increasingly overlapping with politically motivated reprisals, a report has warned. Data compiled by a rights organisation shows a sharp rise in incidents during 2026, raising fresh concerns over the safety of minority communities and the ability of authorities to protect them.
According to a report published by the South Asia Terrorism Portal (SATP), attacks targeting minority homes, businesses and places of worship became a major concern following Hasina’s removal from power in August 2024.
The report noted that Hindus, in particular, were widely perceived to have political links with the Awami League, the party led by Hasina, making them vulnerable to reprisals amid the political uncertainty that followed the change in government.
It said the insecurity experienced by religious minorities could not be attributed to a single factor but stemmed from a combination of political instability, religious intolerance, competing narratives of national identity, local disputes and weaknesses in law enforcement.
“The insecurity faced by religious minorities in Bangladesh cannot be attributed to a single cause, but rather to overlapping dynamics of political instability, religious intolerance, competing narratives of national identity, local disputes and weaknesses in law enforcement, specifically after the July 2024 uprising,” the report stated.
It added that the political upheaval had complicated the position of minority communities, as their perceived association with the Awami League had raised questions about their national loyalty.
“The ambiguity highlighted in the data on attacks on minority communities adds to the insecurity of the minority community. Current trends underscore both the continuing vulnerability of these communities and the need for effective protection and accountability from the administration and law enforcement agencies,” it said.
Minority attacks rise sharply in 2026
Citing data from the Dhaka-based Human Rights Support Society (HRSS), the SATP report highlighted a significant increase in violence against religious minorities during the first nine months of 2026.
HRSS documented at least six attacks on minority communities between July and September 2026, leaving six people injured. The incidents involved vandalism of two temples, five idols and four homes.
The situation had already deteriorated sharply during the first half of the year, with HRSS recording 50 attacks on religious minorities between January and June 2026, compared with 10 during the corresponding period in 2025.
The number of people injured also increased substantially, rising from four in the first half of 2025 to 56 during the same period in 2026, according to the report.
In 2025, HRSS documented 28 incidents targeting religious and ethnic minorities, resulting in one death and 16 injuries. More than 56 shrines were also reportedly attacked, vandalised or looted.
The figures were considerably higher in 2024, when the rights organisation recorded 112 incidents, two deaths and 83 injuries. The attacks also resulted in damage to 28 temples, 31 idols, 284 homes and 240 shops and business establishments.
Recent killings and vandalism renew safety concerns
Recent incidents targeting members of the Hindu community have further heightened concerns over minority security in Bangladesh.
Last month, a 43-year-old Hindu man, identified as Rabendra Rishi, was allegedly stabbed to death in Bhaluka upazila of Mymensingh district. Rishi, who owned a salon, was reportedly attacked by a man after refusing to provide a haircut on credit, according to local media reports.
In a separate incident, three homes belonging to Hindu families were allegedly vandalised and looted in Chak Karimpur village in Pirganj upazila of Rangpur district.
The incident reportedly followed a social media post that allegedly offended the religious sentiments of members of the Muslim community. Local media reported the details, citing police.
The incidents have renewed scrutiny of the security situation facing religious minorities, particularly Hindus, amid continuing political and social tensions in the country.
The SATP report highlighted that concerns over minority safety had persisted since the fall of Hasina’s government during the July-August 2024 upheaval. It also pointed to the need for stronger law enforcement, accountability and effective protection mechanisms to address the vulnerability of minority communities.
