Dhaka: Over the past year, Bangladesh has witnessed 522 incidents of communal violence, including 61 murders, according to a press conference held by the Bangladesh Hindu, Buddhist, and Christian Unity Council on January 29.
522 incidents of communal violence in Bangladesh last year, 61 cases of murder says Bangladesh's top minority association: pic.twitter.com/anEi1Qqhbb
— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) January 29, 2026
A report released in January 2026 provides further details: among the 522 incidents, there were 61 murders, 28 cases of rape and gang rape, and other forms of violence against women. Attacks on religious sites and the desecration of murtis were reported in 95 cases. Land grabbing occurred in 21 incidents, while 102 incidents involved the demolition of homes and business establishments belonging to minorities. Additionally, 47 incidents included death threats and torture.
The Bangladesh Human Rights Commission has confirmed killings of minorities, including cases of mob lynching, between June 2025 and January 2026. A UN report notes that over 650 people were killed during the protests in July–August 2024, a number that later rose to 1,500.
The report also highlights the incident on January 26, 2026. On that day, a group of extortionists and terrorists attacked and injured at least 12 Bangladeshi journalists in the Narsingdi district. The journalists were returning to Dhaka by bus after attending an event organised by the Bangladesh Crime Reporters Association. The state-run news agency, Bangladesh Samvad Sangstha, also confirmed the attack. The report includes other violent acts, such as the burning alive of a Hindu mechanic in Narsingdi. During a press conference, the Minority Association issued several demands ahead of the general elections in February 2026.
They called on the Election Commission to ensure that minority voters can safely reach polling stations and exercise their right to vote equally. They also demanded a strict ban on any mention of religion or community in election campaigning, with action taken against leaders, candidates, and parties who violate this rule. The association urged the Election Commission to take all necessary measures to protect and safeguard minority communities.
