Another Hindu youth has been killed in Bangladesh, with his family alleging a pre-planned murder involving assault and poisoning. As attacks on minorities rise, questions grow louder- who is behind the violence, and will justice finally be delivered?
The family alleged that victim was administered poison by one named Amirul Islam.
Dhaka: Amid continuing unrest and targeted violence against minorities in Bangladesh, another Hindu youth has been killed, raising fresh concerns over the safety of the community. The victim has been identified as Joy Mahapatro, a resident of Bhangadohor village in Sunamganj district.
According to Joy’s family, the incident occurred on Thursday when he was allegedly called to a local shop and assaulted by a local resident. He was initially rushed for medical treatment and later referred to Sylhet MAG Osmani Medical College Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.
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Family members have further alleged that Joy was forcibly administered poison during the attack. They have named Amirul Islam as the prime accused and described the incident as a “preplanned murder”, demanding strict action against those responsible.
Joy Mahapatro’s death is the latest in a series of violent attacks on Hindus reported across Bangladesh in recent weeks. The spate of violence has intensified following the death of radical anti-India leader Sharif Osman Hadi, who was planning to contest the February 12 parliamentary elections.
Earlier, 27-year-old Dipu Chandra Das was beaten to death in the Mymensingh district. On December 24, Amrit Mondal was lynched by a mob in Rajbari. Subsequently, Bajendra Biswas (42) was shot dead by his colleague in Mymensingh, while Khokon Das (50) was set ablaze in the Shariatpur district.
The violence continued into January. On January 5, journalist Rana Pratap Bairagi was shot dead in Jessore, followed by the killing of Sarat Mani Chakraborty (40) in Narsingdi district a day later.
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India has strongly condemned the continuing attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh and urged the interim government to act “swiftly and firmly” against those responsible. Addressing a press briefing in New Delhi, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the repeated incidents have deepened fear and insecurity among minorities.
“We continue to witness a disturbing pattern of recurring attacks on minorities and their homes and businesses by extremists,” he said, adding that there is a worrying tendency to dismiss such crimes as personal or political disputes.
With yet another killing reported, pressure is mounting on Bangladeshi authorities to ensure accountability, justice, and protection for minorities, as concerns grow over law and order and communal safety in the country.
