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Newsman, Dhaka

At least 25 members of religious and ethnic minority communities were killed in a wave of communal violence across Bangladesh during the first three months of 2026, a minority rights organization has said on Thursday (April 9).

The Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council (BHBCUC) reported 133 incidents of communal violence between January 1 and March 31, a period that overlapped with the country’s 13th parliamentary elections.

According to the group, the highest number of attacks occurred in February, the month the national election was held, when 50 incidents were recorded. January saw 46 reported cases, while 37 incidents were documented in March.

“The continuation of these attacks, even after the formation of the new BNP-led government, has left minority communities living in deep anxiety and fear,” said Manindra Kumar Nath, acting general secretary of the council, in a statement.

The council said the violence included killings, sexual assaults, and attacks on places of worship. In total, 25 people were killed, four women were subjected to rape or sexual assault, and 35 temples were attacked or looted.

The organization also documented 69 additional incidents, including attacks on Indigenous communities, land grabbing, and the looting of homes and businesses.

Data compiled by the group showed that the highest number of killings occurred in January, when 11 people were killed, followed by eight in February and six in March.

Despite hopes that a change in government might help curb the violence, the council said harassment and attacks against minority communities have continued.

The BHBCUC called on the government to take immediate action, urging authorities to arrest those responsible and ensure exemplary punishment.

The organization also demanded several policy measures, including the enactment of a Minority Protection Act, the establishment of a National Minority Commission, and the creation of a Ministry for Minority Affairs.

It further urged the government to provide compensation to victims’ families and ensure proper medical treatment for those injured in the attacks.