Hindus Under Threat in Bangladesh

June 11, 2026

Bangladesh is witnessing mounting concerns over communal violence and the safety of Hindu minority communities amid extremist campaigns in several areas of the country.

One of the most concerning developments is the growing pressure from radical Islamist groups demanding the demolition of a major Hindu religious site in Palashbari Upazila of Gaibandha district. What initially appeared to be a localised controversy has rapidly evolved into a broader ideological trend targeting Hindu religious symbols and institutions across the country. Unless the global community urgently exerts strong pressure on the Bangladeshi authorities to contain these “sinister” campaigns by Islamist extremists against Hindus and their religious institutions and act against those inciting religious hatred, Bangladesh risks sliding into “a dangerous cycle of communal violence.”

Failure to act in time could result in Bangladesh ultimately becoming a slaughterhouse for Hindus, and a fresh wave of violence or even genocide could begin at any time. Following the February 12 general elections, several citizens, particularly members of religious minorities, hoped for relief from insecurity, intimidation, and political uncertainty associated with the “controversial rule” of the former Muhammad Yunus-led interim government. Yet recent developments suggest that extremist forces are once again attempting to exploit religious sentiments and communal divisions to destabilise the country and undermine democratic institutions. The campaign against Hindu minorities intensified following claims made by former West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee over the murder of Bangladeshi radical Islamist leader Sharif Osman Hadi