New Delhi: Minority rights group Rights & Risks Analysis Group (RRAG) has alleged a spate of targeted violence against Hindu minorities in Bangladesh, including arson attacks on homes and at least 17 murders since December 1, 2025, amid what it described as election-related unrest.
In a report released on Friday, RRAG claimed that houses, temples and other assets belonging to at least 16 Hindus were set on fire between December 2025 and January 31, 2026, including seven incidents reported in the past week alone.
The alleged attacks occurred in Mirsarai and Raozan in the Chittagong region, as well as in Pirojpur and Sylhet.
The report named several victims whose houses were allegedly burnt, including families in Mirsarai and Raozan, and individuals in Pirojpur and Sylhet. RRAG said the Chittagong region recorded the highest number of arson incidents.
RRAG Director Suhas Chakma alleged that the attacks followed a deliberate pattern.
“Fires were intentionally set to temples, residential homes and haystacks. In some cases, doors of Hindu and Buddhist homes were locked from outside before being set on fire, with the apparent intent to burn the occupants alive,” Chakma said, adding that Mirsarai and Raozan were particularly affected.
The report further alleged that at least 17 Hindu individuals were killed in targeted violence between December 2, 2025 and January 23, 2026.
It listed the names and dates of those killed, claiming that some murders were carried out in a “Taliban-style” manner, including throat-slitting, while one victim was allegedly killed after a garage was set on fire while he was sleeping.
RRAG also criticised the Bangladeshi authorities for repeatedly rejecting any communal or religious motive behind the incidents.
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The report cited earlier statements by Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus, who has said that many incidents involving minorities were criminal rather than communal in nature, and that political affiliations may have contributed to attacks on some individuals.
According to Chakma, the denial of a religious angle has emboldened extremist elements and discouraged victims from speaking out.
“Out of fear of reprisals, victims often describe these targeted attacks as accidents or foul play, despite losing homes, assets and facing attempts on their lives,” he said.
The report calls for greater acknowledgement of the alleged targeting of minorities and stronger measures to ensure their safety.
