As the country heads toward highly contested elections, fear and uncertainty have taken root in neighborhoods across the capital, with families living in constant apprehension of targeted attacks.
This surge in unrest is not only a reflection of deepening political instability but also a dangerous sign of escalating intolerance that threatens the social fabric of the nation.
Houses belonging to at least seven Hindu families were set on fire across Bangladesh over the past five days, in what appears to be a series of targeted attacks against minority communities amid the ongoing unrest, according to local media reports.
The most recent arson incident occurred on December 23, when eight members of two families were asleep inside their homes as they woke up to heavy smoke and narrowly escaped the blaze.
Shil, a Dubai expatriate, had returned to Bangladesh three months ago for his wedding.
“We panicked and tried to rush out, but found the hooks fastened from the outside on both doors. Eventually, we had to cut through the bamboo and tin walls to save our lives,” Shil told Dailystar.
Police said five suspects have been arrested so far during raids, and efforts are ongoing to locate the remaining accused.
Authorities also confirmed that meetings have been held with local influential figures to promote interfaith harmony and strengthen community vigilance against those involved in such “heinous crimes.”
Calling the attacks premeditated, another person, Mithun said, “A similar incident occurred at another Hindu house in a neighbouring village just three days ago. Since the law enforcement agencies haven’t caught the perpetrators yet, these incidents keep happening.”
The incidents come amid heightened concern over the safety of minority communities in Bangladesh. The country has reported two lynchings in the past seven days, triggering widespread outrage.
Last week, a mob lynched 28-year-old Hindu factory worker Dipu Chandra Das in central Mymensingh over allegations of religious defamation, sparking protests nationwide.
In a separate incident, another man identified as Amrit Mondal was killed by a mob on Wednesday over an extortion allegation.
Meanwhile, 60-year-old BNP leader Tarique Ahmed, returned to Bangladesh after more than one and a half decades.
Against the backdrop of rising communal violence and political uncertainty, Tarique Rahman’s return from the UK has been projected by his supporters as a call for a democratic reset in Bangladesh.
With his mother being a senior figure associated with the BNP, Tarique Rahman is being positioned as a voice for restoring electoral credibility, political accountability, and civilian confidence in state institutions.
In contrast, the Mohammed Yunus–led regime is being viewed by critics as a transitional authority struggling to assert control amid law-and-order challenges and deep social fractures.
While the administration has spoken about stability, reform, and reconciliation, incidents of communal attacks and mob justice have raised questions about its capacity to ensure security for minorities and enforce the rule of law.
Notably the situation in Bangladesh is not favourable for democratic process nor for the democratic leaders. The interim government under the leadership of Yunus wants to create and spread chaos just to delay the election and keep Bangladesh as an Islamic state.
The recent events, such as the increased political killings, suggest that the Yunus government do not want normalcy in Bangladesh, as it is serving Yunus’ purpose to keep him at the top of the realm.
Keeping this in mind, the return of Tariq Rehman looks like a positive sign for Bangladesh, but the recent bombings just after his return and his bulletproof vehicle show a threat to his life too.
Yunus knows there is no national leader who can lead Bangladesh to a democratic process, and hence the threat to his life looks evident. This will keep Yunush and Jamat-e-Islam relevant in the chaotic society of Bangladesh.
What is Tarique’s Plan?
Tarique has struck an inclusive, forward-looking note, even as it comes amid a fresh wave of protests that have taken on a sharply anti-India tone and renewed concern over minority safety.
Within a week, two Hindus – Dipu Chandra Das and Amrit Mondal – were killed, once again spotlighting the vulnerability of minorities in Bangladesh.
Against this backdrop, Tarique articulated a vision of a “safe Bangladesh” that embraces all communities.
“People of various religions, including Muslims, Buddhists, Christians, and Hindus, live here. We want to build a Bangladesh together — the kind of Bangladesh a mother dreams of,” he said, arriving alongside his wife and daughter.
Emphasising public safety as a core priority amid intermittent violence, Rahman added, “Where a woman, a man, or a child, whoever it may be, can leave their home safely and return home safely.”
While he issued repeated warnings against provocation and violence, he stopped short of directly condemning the recent arson attacks and killings targeting Hindus and their institutions.
“Whether it is a child, a woman, or a man, people of all ages, classes, professions, and religions must be safe,” Tarique said.
Notably, there was no reference to India, but his emphasis on democratic values and the BNP’s apparent shift toward a more liberal posture may offer some reassurance to New Delhi, despite historically strained ties stemming from India’s long-standing support for Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League.