Violence against minorities in Bangladesh has been a longstanding issue, with major outbreaks observed since 1989. In 2025, there was a significant increase in attacks on minority communities, resulting in 116 deaths between June 6, 2025, and January 5, 2026, as reported by the Human Rights Congress for Bangladesh Minorities (HRCBM).
An official from the Intelligence Bureau noted that the targeting of minorities in Bangladesh has been ongoing for a considerable period. The current wave of violence appears relentless, with perpetrators showing no signs of halting their actions, regardless of the ruling government.
Unlike previous instances where outbreaks were followed by government intervention leading to cessation, the current situation seems unending. Officials suggest that the perpetrators seem determined to continue until every minority is eliminated.
According to the HRCBM report, the recent violence has spread across all eight divisions and 45 districts of Bangladesh, indicating a well-coordinated and widespread pattern of attacks. The killings, particularly targeting Hindus, not only aim to eradicate minorities from Bangladesh but also serve as a provocation to India.
Intelligence agencies caution that the targeting of minorities is likely to escalate in the lead-up to elections, as certain political parties seek to strengthen their radical vote base through such actions. The HRCMB report emphasizes that these killings are not random but stem from systematic discrimination and long-term demographic changes.
Officials point out that the minority population in Bangladesh has significantly decreased from 30% to 9% between 1946 and 2020, indicating a concerning trend of marginalization. The report also highlights structural violence, institutional support for perpetrators, and weaknesses in the justice system, leading to a lack of accountability for these crimes.
