Why are Hindus in Bangladesh fearful ahead of February 12 elections?

February 7, 2026

What happens when an election brings anxiety instead of hope? That is the mood among many Hindus in Bangladesh as the country moves toward national polls amid rising reports of violence and political uncertainty.

Elections often bring political heat, but in Bangladesh this time, the temperature feels different. With rising reports of violence and a shifting political landscape, many in the Hindu minority say they are entering the February 12 vote with a sense of vulnerability rather than confidence.

Bangladesh is preparing for its national parliamentary election on February 12, 2026. This is the first major vote after former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was removed from power in August 2024. Since then, the country has been run by an interim government led by Nobel Prize winner Muhammad Yunus. The change in leadership has created a new political situation, and minorities say this period of transition has made them feel less secure.

For religious and ethnic minorities — especially Hindus — this election season has been tense. Community leaders and rights groups say there has been a rise in attacks, threats, and intimidation in different parts of the country. Many families say daily life feels uncertain, and stepping out for political activity feels risky.

A rise in violence           

Minority organisations report that since the political upheaval in 2024, incidents involving minority communities have increased. These include attacks on homes, shops, temples, and individuals. In December 2025 alone, dozens of violent incidents against minorities were reported by monitoring groups.

One incident that shocked many people was the killing of a young Hindu worker, Dipu Chandra Das. He was attacked by a mob after being accused of insulting religion — an accusation that later had no clear proof. His death became a symbol of the growing fear among minorities, especially Hindus, who worry that rumors can quickly turn into deadly violence.

Human rights observers say such incidents create an atmosphere of communal tension, even if each case has different local reasons.

Government’s stand

The interim government says minorities are not being systematically targeted. Officials argue that many of these incidents are ordinary crimes, such as land disputes or personal conflicts, not religious attacks.

But minority communities say this explanation does not match what they are experiencing. They believe there is a pattern, and they fear their concerns are not being taken seriously. This difference in views has increased mistrust.

Political changes adding to fear

Another big factor is the return of Jamaat-e-Islami, a major Islamist party that is active again after years on the sidelines. Its growing political role has made some minorities nervous about what the future could look like.

At the same time, the Awami League — a party that had strong support among Hindu voters — is not contesting the election, and Sheikh Hasina is in exile. Some minorities feel they have lost a political protector.

What minorities worry about

Many Hindu families say they are worried about:
• Personal safety
• Attacks on homes and temples
• Voting without fear
• Being linked to certain political groups

Christians and other minority groups have also raised similar concerns.

Looking ahead

As election day comes closer, minority leaders are asking for strong security and clear assurances. The government says law and order is under control, but fear remains high among many Hindus. That fear has now become an important part of the story of Bangladesh’s 2026 election.