Bangladesh: Another Hindu youth killed as violence against minorities surges ahead of elections

Minority violence rises ahead of polls

Within a span of just 20 days, another Hindu youth has been killed in Bangladesh, intensifying concerns over violence against minorities ahead of the country’s parliamentary elections. The latest incident occurred on Thursday in Bhangadohor village in Sunamganj district, where Joy Mahapatro was allegedly assaulted and later poisoned. His family accused a local Muslim man, identified as Amirul Islam, of carrying out the attack.

The killing adds to a growing list of violent incidents targeting minority communities as Bangladesh approaches its 13th Parliamentary elections. Data released by the Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council shows that at least 51 such incidents were reported in December alone.

Earlier this week, Moni Chakraborty, a 40-year-old grocery shop owner, was killed by unidentified assailants who attacked him with a sharp weapon at Charsindhur Bazar in Palash Upazila of Narsingdi. His murder sparked widespread anger among local traders, with more than a hundred shopkeepers forming a human chain under the banner of the market association, demanding swift identification and arrest of those responsible.

Chakraborty’s death came just hours after another Hindu businessman, Rana Pratap Bairagi, 38, was shot dead in the head by unknown attackers in the Jessore district.

Surge in violence against minorities in Bangladesh

Bangladesh has witnessed a sharp rise in targeted attacks on minority communities as the country prepares for its first parliamentary elections since the exile of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

On December 18, Dipu Chandra Das, a 25-year-old Hindu youth, was lynched by a mob in Mymensingh city over alleged blasphemy, after which his body was set on fire. The incident triggered widespread outrage and led to diplomatic tensions with India.

India’s Ministry of External Affairs expressed deep concern over the brutal killing and called on Bangladeshi authorities to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.