Can Hindus, other minorities, vote freely amid escalating violence against them?
As Bangladesh heads to its 13th general elections on February 5, 2026, concerns about justice are growing as the Awami League remains banned and violence against minorities intensifies. Bangladesh Hindu Bouddha Christian Oikya Parishad reported 51 attacks in December 2025.
Bangladeshi Hindus Protest. (File Image)
As Bangladesh prepares for general elections scheduled for February 5, 2026, doubts have arisen about whether they will be free and fair. At a time when the Awami League led by Sheikh Hasina has been banned and attacks on minorities, including Hindus, have increased, the question arises whether marginalized people and minorities can exercise their rights as they wish. Bangladesh Hindu Bouddha Christian Oikya Parishad expressed regret over attacks on minorities ahead of the 13th general elections.
Bangladesh Election 2026
In a statement on Tuesday, the organization expressed concern that under current circumstances minority communities may not be able to vote freely and fearlessly in the upcoming general elections. “In order to keep voters away from casting their votes for candidates of their choice, socially rogue elements are carrying out hateful activities across the country,” the statement said. It was said. He also claimed that there were at least 51 violent incidents last December. Violent incidents continue this year.
Bangladesh Hindu Bouddha Christian Oikya Parishad
Bangladeshi Hindu Bouddha Christian Oikya Parishad claimed that the violence included 10 murders, 10 cases of theft and robbery, and 23 incidents involving occupation, looting and arson of homes, businesses, temples and lands. He also stated that there were four cases of arrest and torture for false allegations of religious insult and being a “RAW agent”. There was also an attempted rape and three incidents of physical assault on minorities.
Attacks on Bangladeshi Hindus
In the statement made by the organization, it was stated that on January 4, a gold merchant named Shubho Poddar was muzzled and approximately 30 tolas (300 grams) of gold ornaments were looted from his shop. On the same day, a 40-year-old woman was raped, tied to a tree and tortured by cutting off her hair in Kaliganj. It was also stated that religious extremists have demanded the removal of Kurigram District Commissioner and Returning Officer Annapurna Debnath. They labeled him a collaborator of the fascist government and a member of ISKCON for properly carrying out his electoral duties. The Parishad asked the government and the Election Commission to take immediate action to stop these actions.
