As violence against minorities continues in Bangladesh, a Hindu worker was killed on Friday after being run over by an SUV driver for demanding payment for fuel at a petrol pump, according to reports.
In an incident that has renewed concerns over the safety of religious minorities in the country, A Hindu fuel station worker was reportedly crushed to death in Bangladesh’s Rajbari district early Friday after he tried to stop a vehicle from leaving without paying for fuel.
The victim, identified as 30-year-old Ripon Saha was working at Karim Filling Station in Goalanda Mor when the incident occurred around 4:30 am. According to police and eyewitness accounts, a black SUV arrived at the petrol pump and filled fuel worth around Tk 5,000 before attempting to flee without settling the bill.
When the driver refused to pay, Saha reportedly stood in front of the vehicle in an attempt to block it. The SUV allegedly ran him over before speeding away from the scene, killing him on the spot. Police said a murder case would be filed in connection with the incident.
“We will file a murder case. The worker stood in front of the car after they refused to pay for fuel, and they ran him over before fleeing,” Rajbari Sadar Police chief Khondakar Ziaur Rahman was quoted as saying by bdnews24.com. The Daily Star also reported the incident, citing police officials.
Authorities said it has not yet been confirmed whether the killing is linked to the recent wave of violence targeting members of the Hindu minority in Bangladesh. However, the incident comes amid heightened tensions following a string of attacks on Hindu individuals and properties across the country.
The killing has drawn attention because it adds to a growing list of incidents involving violence against religious minorities. Earlier this week, the house of a Hindu family was set on fire in Sylhet, leaving residents shaken and fuelling fears within the community.
Rights groups and minority organisations have pointed to a rise in attacks on Hindus amid Bangladesh’s shifting political landscape. Since last month, multiple incidents have been reported, including the killing of Dipu Chandra Das, who was lynched by a mob over allegations of blasphemy — an incident that sparked protests in several countries.
The situation has also put pressure on relations between India and Bangladesh, with New Delhi raising concerns over the treatment of minorities. Last week, India strongly criticised the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government, accusing it of attempting to minimise the communal nature of the violence.
In response, the interim administration has dismissed claims of targeted attacks, describing reports of killings and assaults on minorities as efforts “to destroy communal harmony through false propaganda.”
As investigations continue into Ripon Saha’s killing, the case has become part of a broader debate over law enforcement, minority safety and accountability in Bangladesh at a time of heightened political and social uncertainty.
End of Article
