The political landscape in Bangladesh has taken a dramatic turn following the parliamentary elections on February 12, 2026. With the Awami League, led by former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, out of the race due to restrictions, the political baton has been passed to new leaders. A major question now looms over the fate of the country’s minority communities, particularly Hindus. Will the new government usher in relief or heighten uncertainty for this minority? Let’s take a closer look.
A Changing Political Landscape
The 2026 elections were held with nearly 120 million voters casting their ballots for the next government. One of the most significant aspects of this election was the absence of Sheikh Hasina’s party, the Awami League, from the contest. Due to legal restrictions, the party could not participate in the polls. This opened the door for a fiercely contested battle between the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Jamaat-e-Islami. Leading the charge for the BNP was Tarique Rahman, who returned from London to re-enter active politics.
Rahman’s leadership has been a cornerstone of the BNP’s resurgence. His campaign promises of administrative reforms and economic transformation resonated deeply with voters, positioning him as a strong contender for the country’s future. Political analysts now believe that the new government’s policies will play a pivotal role in shaping Bangladesh’s direction, especially in terms of governance, economic development, and minority rights.
The Hindu Population in Bangladesh
According to the 2022 census data, which was released in 2023-24, the Hindu population in Bangladesh stands at approximately 13.1 million, constituting 7.95% of the total population. Bangladesh, a predominantly Muslim country, has the world’s third-largest Hindu population, following India and Nepal. The Hindu community is mainly concentrated in the northern, southwestern, and northeastern parts of the country. Historically, Hindus comprised a much larger percentage of the population, but over the decades, their proportion has steadily decreased.
Despite being the second-largest religious community in the country, Hindus have faced persistent challenges, particularly during periods of political instability. As Bangladesh’s political dynamics shift once again, the Hindu community remains at a crossroads, uncertain about their future under the new government.
The Fate of Hindus Under the New Government
With the political changes now in motion, there are rising concerns about the future of Bangladesh’s Hindu minority. Recent reports from international organizations have pointed to an uptick in attacks on Hindu temples and properties during times of political unrest. These incidents have fueled fears among the community that they may become further marginalized, especially as political factions have sometimes viewed the Hindu community as a ‘vote bank,’ subjecting them to pressure from opposing political forces.
The challenge for the new government will be to reassure the minority communities, particularly Hindus, that their rights and security will be upheld. Experts believe that the newly formed government will need to focus on restoring law and order, ensuring the safety of religious minorities, and rebuilding trust among communities. The response from the government will determine whether the Hindu community feels secure and whether the fear of discrimination and violence persists.
Migration and Future Concerns
Over the past few years, the Hindu community in Bangladesh has witnessed a trend of migration, driven by a combination of insecurity and economic hardship. Demographic studies reveal that the Hindu population has been steadily declining since the 1947 partition. This decline is not solely due to recent political events but is part of a broader socio-political shift over several decades. The new government’s policies will be instrumental in determining whether this trend continues or if Hindus will feel compelled to migrate for safety or economic reasons.
If the new government takes firm action to guarantee equal rights for all citizens, regardless of their religion, there could be a sense of stability for the minority communities. However, if extremist or radical forces gain influence, the atmosphere may become more tense, and the sense of insecurity could deepen, pushing more people to consider leaving the country.
Modi’s Message of Support to Tarique Rahman
Tarique Rahman’s electoral victory in Bangladesh has not gone unnoticed internationally. On Friday, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his congratulations to Rahman and the BNP following their decisive win in the parliamentary elections. In a message shared via X (formerly Twitter), Modi emphasized the significance of Rahman’s leadership and expressed India’s continued support for Bangladesh’s democratic journey.
“I convey my warm congratulations to Mr. Tarique Rahman on leading the BNP to a decisive victory in the parliamentary elections in Bangladesh. This victory shows the trust of the people of Bangladesh in your leadership,” Modi wrote. His message reflects India’s commitment to maintaining strong bilateral relations with Bangladesh, underscoring the importance of a stable and democratic neighbor for the region’s peace and prosperity.
The victory of the BNP, led by Tarique Rahman, marks a crucial shift in Bangladesh’s political history. As Rahman takes the helm, there is cautious optimism about what this change might mean for the Hindu minority and the country as a whole.
The political developments in Bangladesh are stirring important questions about the future of religious minorities, especially the Hindu community. With the new government, led by Tarique Rahman and the BNP, in place, the next steps will be crucial in determining whether Hindus and other minorities will enjoy greater security and prosperity. As the situation evolves, the Indian government’s continued support for a democratic and inclusive Bangladesh may play a key role in fostering stability in the region. The coming years will be pivotal in shaping the political, social, and economic landscape of Bangladesh, especially for its minority communities.
