On 5 January, two Hindus were brutally murdered in Bangladesh. The horrifying murders, which occurred within a span of 24 hours, have intensified concerns over the safety of minorities amid a growing pattern of targeted violence ahead of the General Elections scheduled in Bangladesh on 12 February.
Journalist and factory owner shot dead in public
The first victim of the violence on Monday was Rana Pratap Bairagi, a Hindu businessman and journalist. He was shot dead in broad daylight in Monirampur upazila of Jessore district. Bairagi was the acting editor of the Narail based daily BD Khabar. He was also the owner of an ice factory at Kopalia Bazar.
According to media reports, three assailants arrived on a motorcycle. They called him out of his factory. As he came out, they grabbed him and dragged him into a nearby alley, where Bairagi was shot in the head. The assailants fled from the scene.
His body reportedly bore multiple bullet injuries. Used cartridges were recovered from the crime scene. No arrests have been made in the matter so far.
Shop owner killed hours later in Narsingdi
Hours after Bairagi’s murder, another Hindu man identified as Sharat Chakraborty, also known as Mani, was murdered in Narsingdi district. He was a grocery shop owner. Mani was attacked with sharp weapons while running his shop at Charsindur market in Palash upazila. He was rushed to hospital by locals but succumbed to his injuries on the way.
Series of killings over recent weeks
The two murders form part of a broader and disturbing pattern. Since mid December, at least six Hindus have been murdered across different districts. Other crimes, including rape and assault, have occurred against members of Hindu communities. Victims include Khokon Chandra Das, who was hacked and set on fire in Shariatpur, Amrit Mondal, lynched in Rajbari, and Dipu Chandra Das, beaten and burned alive in Mymensingh following unsubstantiated blasphemy allegations.
Growing questions over minority safety
The repeated attacks against Hindus in Bangladesh have raised serious questions about law and order under the interim administration led by Muhammad Yunus. India has formally conveyed concern over violence against Hindu, Christian, and Buddhist communities in Bangladesh. Since Yunus took charge of Bangladesh as leader of the interim government, attacks on Hindus have intensified, leading to fear and uncertainty.
