A Hindu businessman was beaten to death in Bangladesh while another Hindu worker was crushed to death in a separate incident this week. The killings have intensified concerns over the safety of religious minorities and drawn scrutiny from rights groups and India.
A Hindu businessman was beaten to death in Bangladesh’s Gazipur district after an argument over bananas, according to local media reports. It remains unclear whether the killing, which took place on Saturday in the Kaliganj area is connected to the recent wave of attacks against Hindus in the country.
The victim has been identified as 55-year-old Liton Chandra Ghosh, who owned Baishakhi Sweetmeat and Hotel, The Daily Star reported. Kaliganj Police Station officer-in-charge Zakir Hossain said three members of a family Swapan Mia, 55, his wife Majeda Khatun, 45, and their son Masum Mia, 28 have been detained on suspicion of involvement in the incident.
According to police, Masum owns a banana plantation and had reported a bunch of bananas missing. While searching for them, he allegedly found the bananas at Liton’s hotel, which led to a dispute between the two sides. Police said the accused assaulted Liton by punching and kicking him, causing him to collapse and die at the spot.
Liton’s family told police that Masum arrived at the hotel around 11 am and initially argued with a staff member over a minor issue. His parents later reached the location, after which the situation escalated into a physical altercation. Authorities said an investigation is under way.
In a separate incident on Friday, a Hindu fuel station worker was reportedly crushed to death in Rajbari district after trying to prevent a vehicle from leaving without paying for fuel. The victim, 30-year-old Ripon Saha, was employed at Karim Filling Station in the Goalanda Mor area when the incident occurred around 4:30 am.
Police and eyewitnesses said a black SUV refuelled around Tk 5,000 worth of fuel before attempting to escape without clearing the payment. Ripon tried to stop the vehicle and was fatally run over.
The killing has drawn wider attention as it adds to a series of violent incidents involving religious minorities. Earlier in the week, the house of a Hindu family in Sylhet was set ablaze, heightening fear and anxiety among community members.
Rights organisations and minority groups have flagged an apparent increase in attacks on Hindus amid Bangladesh’s changing political situation. Since last month, several incidents have been reported, including the killing of Dipu Chandra Das, who was lynched by a mob over allegations of blasphemy, triggering protests in multiple countries.
These developments have also strained India-Bangladesh relations, with New Delhi expressing concern over the safety of minorities. Last week, India sharply criticised the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus, accusing it of downplaying the communal aspect of the violence.
The interim administration has rejected claims of targeted attacks, asserting that reports of killings and assaults on minorities are attempts “to destroy communal harmony through false propaganda.”
As police continue to probe Ripon Saha’s death, the case has become part of a larger discussion on policing, protection of minorities, and accountability in Bangladesh during a period of heightened political and social tension.
With inputs from agencies
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