AHindu man was brutally stabbed to death in Bangladesh, while in a separate incident, three Hindu families had their homes vandalised and looted.
These incidents have reignited concerns about the safety of minority communities in the country.
Rabendra Rishi, a 43-year-old salon owner, was allegedly murdered by 26-year-old Saddam in Bhaluka upazila, Mymensingh district. According to local media, Saddam repeatedly stabbed Rabendra after he refused to provide a haircut on credit. Rabendra’s wife, Suchitra, stated that Saddam frequently extorted money for drugs and often refused to pay for services, leading to arguments. She further alleged that Saddam had previously threatened her husband’s life, even before Durga Puja.
In a different incident in Chak Karimpur village, Rangpur district, three homes belonging to brothers Bishu Chandra Mohanta, Jagadish Chandra Mohanta, and Dinesh Chandra Mohanta were vandalised and looted. This occurred after a social media post allegedly offended religious sentiments. The attackers damaged property and stole valuables, including livestock. Arati Rani, Jagadish’s wife, recounted fleeing her home during the assault. Bangladesh’s Awami League has condemned the attacks, emphasizing that allegations of religious insult should not lead to mob violence or collective punishment.