Bangladesh Hindus Face Rising Attacks, Fear Ahead of Elections

• Bangladesh's Hindu minority experiences a surge in attacks and fear as national elections approach on Feb. 12.
• Dipu Chandra Das, a 27-year-old Hindu garment worker, was brutally murdered after being accused of derogatory remarks against Prophet Muhammad.
• Human rights groups report over 2,000 incidents of communal violence since August 2024, including killings, violence against women, and attacks on places of worship.
• The reemergence of Islamist parties like Jamaat-e-Islami and a culture of impunity are cited as major factors fueling the violence.
• Attacks on Hindus have strained relations with India, leading to diplomatic disputes and protests.