Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council said 133 incidents of communal violence were reported across the country in the first three months of 2026, raising concern ahead of the 13th parliamentary elections.
The council, in a press release signed by Acting General Secretary Monindra Kumar Nath, said the incidents between 1 January and 31 March included 25 killings, four cases of rape or violence against women, 35 attacks on temples with looting, and 69 other incidents affecting minority and ethnic communities.
The January tally stood at 46 incidents, including 11 killings, one rape, nine temple attacks, one attack on ethnic communities, 15 cases of assault, robbery, arson, threats and looting, three land grab incidents, one extortion case, and five other incidents.
February recorded 50 incidents, including eight killings, one rape, 15 temple attacks, one case of religious desecration, 17 cases of assault, robbery, arson, threats and looting, six land grabs, one abduction, and one other incident.
March saw 37 incidents, including six killings, two cases of rape or sexual harassment, 11 temple attacks, one case of religious desecration, one attack on ethnic communities, seven cases of assault, robbery, arson, threats and looting, four land grabs, and five other incidents.
The council said it had expected a decline in such attacks after the formation of the BNP-led government, but the continuation of violence has left minority communities anxious.
It called for the arrest and exemplary punishment of those responsible, compensation for victims, proper treatment for the injured, and the enactment of laws to protect minorities.
The organisation also demanded the formation of a dedicated Minority Ministry and a National Minority Commission, among eight recommendations outlined in the statement.
