A Delhi-based rights watchdog has claimed that at least 15 Hindus belonging to minority communities have been killed in Bangladesh over the past 45 days, raising concerns over minority safety ahead of the upcoming elections.
In a report released on Thursday, the Rights & Risks Analysis Group (RRAG) said that between December 1, 2025, and January 15, 2026, “at least 15 minority Hindus were murdered by persons belonging to the majority Muslim community in Bangladesh”, averaging one killing every three days.
According to the report, those killed include Samir Das and Prolay Chaki (January 11), Joy Mohapatra (January 10), Mithun Sarkar and Sarat Mani Chakraborty (January 6), Rana Pratap Bairagi (January 5), Khokon Chandra Das (December 31), Bajendra Biswas (December 29), Amrit Mondal (December 24), Dipu Chandra Das (December 18), Shanto Chandra Das (December 12), Jogesh Chandra Roy and Suborna Roy (December 7), and Prantosh Kormokar and Utpol Sarkar (December 2).
RRAG director Suhas Chakma said the victims included both elderly persons and youths, alleging that the attacks were premeditated and often linked to attempts to seize or destroy property. He claimed that the reported cases represent only a fraction of the violence faced daily by Hindu and other minority communities.
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The report criticised Bangladesh’s interim government, led by Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus, accusing it of downplaying the religious dimension of the attacks. RRAG alleged that incidents were frequently attributed to misinformation campaigns even before investigations were completed.
Chakma further claimed that Yunus has sought international backing to counter what he described as disinformation during the election period. RRAG warned that once election campaigning begins on January 22, minority communities may face heightened risks, with attacks being portrayed as routine political violence.
On January 11, European Union Election Observation Mission chief observer Ivars Ijabs called for “inclusive and participatory” elections that ensure the involvement of ethnic and religious minorities.
However, RRAG argued that under prevailing conditions, meaningful participation by Hindu minorities would remain difficult unless the interim government formally acknowledges the alleged targeted violence and takes concrete measures to ensure their protection.
The group urged international stakeholders, including the European Union, to press Bangladeshi authorities to guarantee minority safety and closely monitor violence during the election process.
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