Bangladesh Hindu Group Asks Election Commission for Special Security, Separate Polling Booths

Bangladesh Hindu Body Tells Election Commission Community Unsafe to Vote, Seeks Special Security.

A leading Hindu organisation in Bangladesh has raised concerns over the safety of Hindu voters ahead of the parliamentary elections on February 12, urging the Election Commission (EC) to provide special security and separate polling booths.

Representatives of the Sabha of Dhakeshwari Mandir, the country’s largest Hindu body, met with election officials to highlight growing fears in the community. They said many Hindus are reluctant to vote due to repeated attacks and threats against the minority community.

“Strong security measures are needed, particularly in areas where violence against minorities has been reported. Separate booths could reduce fear and ensure safe voting,” the organisation said.

Recent Attacks Escalate Concerns

The appeal follows a series of violent incidents targeting Hindus. On Sunday, 28-year-old Samir Das, an auto driver from Daganbhuiyan in Chittagong, was beaten and stabbed to death. Attackers reportedly fled the scene with his battery-operated auto-rickshaw.

Other recent incidents include:

Joy Mahapatro, a Hindu man, allegedly beaten and poisoned by a local Muslim in a separate incident.

Mithun Sarkar, 25, who drowned while fleeing a mob over theft accusations.

Rana Pratap Bairagi, a businessman and acting newspaper editor in Jessore, shot dead.

Sarat Mani Chakraborty, a Hindu grocery shop owner, also killed on the same day.

A Hindu woman allegedly gang-raped, tied to a tree, and had her hair cut off.

Dipu Chandra Das, lynched and burnt to death over alleged blasphemy in Mymensingh.

Amrit Mondal, lynched over extortion allegations.

Bajendra Biswas, a Hindu garment factory worker, shot dead in the same region.

These attacks have raised alarm in the Hindu community, prompting calls for urgent measures to protect voters and ensure their participation in the upcoming elections.