25-year-old Hindu woman allegedly abducted, gang-raped in Chandpur, Bangladesh

Hindu woman, 25, abducted and gang-raped in Chandpur days after Bangladesh polls

Just a week after Bangladesh’s general elections and the formation of a new BNP-led government, a serious incident of violence has been reported from Chandpur.

A 25-year-old Hindu woman, who is physically disabled, was allegedly abducted and gang-raped on Sunday night. According to reports, she was returning from a kirtan ceremony when she was taken by three men. The accused have been identified as Rakib, Rasel, and Shaqil.

The victim is currently undergoing treatment at a hospital. A doctor treating her said that she was bleeding a lot. Authorities have confirmed that the woman has identified the suspects, but no arrests have been made so far.

Concerns grow over attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh

The alleged assault comes amid broader concerns about violence targeting members of the Hindu community in Bangladesh.

Between early December 2025 and mid-January 2026, at least 11 to 15 Hindus were reportedly killed across different parts of the country. The incidents followed heightened tensions after the 2024 ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

Reported cases during this period included lynchings, stabbings, and shootings. Some attacks were linked to blasphemy allegations, while others occurred in the aftermath of protest-related unrest. In several instances, perpetrators were said to have links to Islamist groups, although many suspects remain unidentified.

Among those killed were Dipu Chandra Das, a garment worker lynched in Mymensingh on December 18, 2025; Rana Kanti Bairagi, a newspaper editor shot in Jessore on January 5, 2026; Mani Chakraborty, who was stabbed in Narsingdi, and businessman Khokon Chandra Das, who was killed south of Dhaka.

Authorities have yet to issue a comprehensive statement linking the Chandpur incident to the wider pattern of violence.