Bangladesh Clerics Declare Voting for Hindus 'Haram' Ahead of Elections

• Viral videos show Bangladeshi clerics openly calling for the political exclusion of Hindus, declaring voting for them 'haram' (forbidden in Islam).
• Clerics issue explicit threats against Hindu temples and institutions, stating they are 'meant for destruction' and that Hindus cannot live in Bangladesh.
• The rhetoric comes amid a surge in violence, killings, and arson attacks targeting Hindu families in Bangladesh.
• India's External Affairs Ministry has urged Dhaka to act swiftly and firmly against these incidents, warning that dismissing them emboldens perpetrators.
• Minority groups fear the election season is becoming a trigger for open calls to exclusion and bloodshed against Hindus.

Why It Matters: Bangladeshi clerics are stoking fear and inciting violence against Hindus ahead of elections, raising international concern.