Minority Rights

Kali Temple and Idol Vandalized in Thakurgaon District of Bangladesh, Police Begin Formal Investigation

Authorities have launched an investigation following allegations of vandalism at the Sri Sri Banakali Temple in Ward No. 9 of Ranisankail Municipality, located in Thakurgaon District. According to local residents, unidentified individuals are believed to have entered the temple premises under the cover of darkness on the night of 27 February. By early morning, community …

Mob Led by Rokon Uddin Attacks Hindu Devotees Protesting alleged Seizure of 213-Year-Old Temple Land and blockade of a vital canal in Brahmanbaria, leaving at least 10 severely injured

At least ten Hindu devotees, including women, were severely injured on February 25 after a mob allegedly led by Rokon Uddin attacked a peaceful protest in Aruail Union under Sarail Upazila of Brahmanbaria. The demonstrators had gathered to oppose the alleged illegal occupation of land belonging to the 213-year-old Shri Shri Mohanlal Jiu Temple in …

From Sacred Hymns to Savage Horror : Muhammad Rakib and Two Associates Named in Brutal All-Night Gang Rape and torture of Speech-Impaired Hindu Mother Returning from Kirtan in Bhola, Bangladesh

When Devotion Turned to Darkness When the hymns of devotion that had drifted across rural Bhola finally fell silent, a crime of unspeakable brutality emerged from the shadows. On the fourth night of the five-day long Tirodhan Utsav honoring Achyudananda Brahmachari, more than 100,000 devotees had gathered in Aralia village of Tazumuddin Upazila for kirtan and prayer on …

Hindu Family Holds Press Conference in Patuakhali, Accuses Zakir Bhuiya of Assault and Coercive Land Grab authored by Aditi Chakraborty

In Marichbunia village under Patuakhali Sadar Upazila, a land dispute involving a Hindu family has escalated into allegations of assault, intimidation and attempted dispossession. The accused Zakir Bhuiya has firmly denied all accusations. The Dispute Gopal Mali, a resident of Marichbunia, alleges that locally influential individuals attempted to forcibly occupy his 40-decimals of his ancestral …

Islamist Mob leaves Paltan Bala fighting for his life : Hindu Families of Bahadurpur village Face yet Another Wave of Targeted Attacks as Bangladesh Police refuses to register a formal case

On the evening of 18 February, Bahadurpur village under Rajihar Union of Agailjhara Upazila in Barishal district witnessed yet another incident that local Hindus describe as part of a sustained campaign of fear and persecution. The victim this time is 40-year-old Paltan Bala, son of Yagneshwar Bala, a resident of Bahadurpur. He now lies hospitalised, …

72 Hours That Tested Bangladesh’s Democracy : Seven Hindu Families Targeted in Coordinated Assault by Jamaat-e-Islami led coalition in Noakhali

About fifty men and women stood shoulder to shoulder in a silent human chain beneath a pale afternoon sky in Sonadia Union under Hatiya Upazila of Noakhali District. Some held handwritten placards while others stood empty-handed. All of them stood with the same demands of protection, justice and recognition. They were residents of Hatiya upazila …

Four Coordinated Incidents of Land Seizure, Arson and Temple Vandalism Targeting Hindus in Post-Election Bangladesh on 13th February

On 13th February, four separate incidents unfolded across four different districts of Bangladesh — each targeting vulnerable Hindu families and their property. Each incident has its own local context. But taken together, they paint a deeply disturbing picture of insecurity, impunity, and a growing climate of fear for minorities. 1) Land Seizure and Assault in …

21 Documented Allegations of Atrocities Against Hindus in Bangladesh during 26th January -2nd February by Aditi Chakraborty

Executive Summary Between 26 January and 02 February 2026, multiple alleged incidents involving members of the Hindu minority community were reported across various districts of Bangladesh, with one reported incident in India. The documented cases include allegations of: Homicide and suspicious deaths Physical assault and intimidation Arson targeting homes and businesses Land encroachment Theft and …

A Nation at the Ballot, A Minority Under Siege : How Hindus in Bangladesh Faced Electoral Intimidation and Radicalised Violence during February 9-12

Between February 9 and 12, as Bangladesh stood on the cusp of its General Elections, a parallel reality unfolded in village after village, one not defined by campaign speeches or democratic enthusiasm, but by fire, blades, threats, and fear. For Bangladesh’s Hindu minority, these four days were not merely part of an election cycle. They …

Bound and Hacked to Death : The murder of 28-year-old tea-garden worker Ratan Sahukar and the unanswered question of minority safety in Bangladesh

On the eve of Bangladesh’s General Elections, as the nation prepared to cast its votes and reaffirm its democratic mandate, a 28-year-old tea-garden worker lay bound, mutilated, and lifeless inside a plantation in Moulvibazar. His name was Ratan Sahukar. He was found on the morning of 11th February. His hands and feet had been tied …