522 communal attacks took place in Bangladesh in a year, 61 non-Muslims were killed, says Minority Council

Bangladesh communal violence report
Bangladesh sees 61 Minority murders (Image via Aaj Tak)

Over 522 incidents of communal violence and 61 murders have been reported in Bangladesh over the past year, according to a press conference held by the Bangladesh Hindu, Buddhist, and Christian Unity Council on Thursday, 29th January.

According to a report released in January 2026, there have been 522 incidents of communal violence. This includes 61 murders, 28 rapes, gang rapes, and violence against women. 95 incidents include attacks on religious sites and the desecration of idols of deities. 21 incidents include land grabbing. 102 incidents include the demolition of homes and business establishments of minorities. 47 incidents include death threats and torture.

The Bangladesh Human Rights Commission has confirmed the killing of minorities between June 2025 and January 2026. This also includes mob lynching.

According to a UN report, over 650 people were killed during the protests in July-August 2024. This number later rose to 1,500.

The incident of 26th January, 2026, has also been mentioned separately in the report. According to the report, on Monday, 26th January, a gang of extortionists and terrorists attacked and injured at least 12 Bangladeshi journalists in the Narsingdi district. The journalists were returning to Dhaka by bus after attending an event organised by the Bangladesh Crime Reporters Association. The state-run news agency, Bangladesh Samvad Sangstha, also confirmed the incident. The report includes incidents such as the burning alive of a Hindu mechanic in Narsingdi.

Through the press conference, the Minority Association has also made several demands in view of the general elections of February 2026.

One such demand is that the Election Commission must make such an environment that the minority voters can reach the polling booth to cast their vote and enjoy the right to equality.

Any mention of religion or community in campaigning should be prohibited. Action should be taken against leaders, candidates, and parties who do so. The Election Commission is urged to ensure that minorities are cared for and protected at all costs.

Written by OpIndia Staff
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