Bangladesh: Hindu Community Leader Kidnapped and Viciously Murdered
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Synopsis
A Hindu leader in Dinajpur was abducted and brutally killed, highlighting ongoing violence against minorities in Bangladesh. The incident has raised significant concerns regarding the safety of the Hindu community as reports of vandalism and attacks continue to rise.
Key Takeaways
- Bhabesh Chandra was a prominent Hindu community leader.
- He was kidnapped and brutally murdered by assailants.
- Police are working to identify the attackers.
- Violence against Hindu minorities is on the rise in Bangladesh.
- India has raised concerns over the safety of minorities in Bangladesh.
Dhaka, April 18 (NationPress) In a disturbing act of violence against minorities in Bangladesh, a Hindu leader from Dinajpur's Biral upazila was kidnapped and mercilessly beaten to death, as reported by local law enforcement and relatives.
The victim, Bhabesh Chandra, was a significant figure in the Hindu community, holding the position of Vice-President of the Biral unit of the Bangladesh Puja Udjapan Parishad, as local news outlets have highlighted.
According to a statement from Chandra's wife, Shantana Roy, four assailants arrived on two motorcycles and abducted Bhabesh from their home on Thursday. Multiple witnesses reported seeing the perpetrators transporting Bhabesh to Narabari village, where he was brutally assaulted.
Later that same day, the attackers returned Bhabesh's unconscious body to his residence in a van. He was promptly taken to the Biral Upazila Health Complex and subsequently relocated to Dinajpur Medical College Hospital, where medical personnel pronounced him dead upon arrival.
The officer-in-charge of Biral Police Station stated that law enforcement is actively working to identify and apprehend the individuals responsible, with plans to initiate a case.
Last month, a report from the Dhaka-based human rights organization, Ain O Salish Kendra (AsK), revealed a concerning total of 147 incidents involving the vandalism of homes, temples, and businesses belonging to the Hindu community throughout Bangladesh.
Approximately 408 households faced vandalism in these events, with 36 cases of arson. Additionally, there were reports of 113 attacks on businesses owned by minorities, 32 incidents affecting temples and mosques of the Ahmadiyya sect, and 92 reports of idol desecration in temples.
According to a report by the leading Bengali daily, Prothom Alo, in September 2024, following the decline of the Awami League government, there has been a surge in attacks against minority communities across the nation, particularly targeting Hindus. Numerous homes, businesses, and places of worship belonging to Hindus continue to face assaults.
Bangladesh has been enduring violence and protests since the interim government led by Mohammad Yunus assumed power in August of the previous year. The situation for Hindus has drastically deteriorated under the governance of Yunus. Alarming reports indicate a rise in gang rapes, murders, and temple desecrations targeting Hindu minorities.
India has consistently raised alarms about the atrocities faced by Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh.
Earlier this month, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the safety and security of minorities in Bangladesh, including Hindus, during a meeting with Yunus on the sidelines of the BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok.
"The issue of minorities was discussed during our meeting. We expressed our concerns regarding their treatment and the violence they have faced. We have consistently raised this issue in our dialogues, including our meeting in Bangkok, emphasizing that such violence against minorities cannot simply be disregarded as mere political motivations or media hype. We hope the Bangladesh government will take decisive action against those responsible for these heinous acts," stated Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs, at a recent media briefing.
