Bhabesh Chandra, a prominent Hindu leader from the Dinajpur district, was kidnapped and viciously killed in a troubling case of minority violence in Bangladesh. Four men on two motorcycles reportedly kidnapped the 55-year-old from his Biral upazila home on Thursday, April 18; he held the title of Vice-President for the Bangladesh Puja Udjapan Parishad’s Biral branch.
Violence Target Hindu Leader
Several witnesses told The Daily Star that the attackers forcibly dragged him to Narabari village, where he was severely assaulted, Chandra’s wife Shantana Roy stated. His assailants left his lifeless body at his house after the attack. Later transferred to Dinajpur Medical College Hospital, Chandra was hurried to the Biral Upazila Health Complex and declared dead there.
Recurrent investigations and past violence events
With the Biral Police Station working to discover the perpetrators and compile a case, local officials have started a probe. This episode is one among many in a developing surge of violence against minority groups in Bangladesh. Last month, a study by human rights group Ain O Salish Kendra (AsK) found 147 instances of vandalism aimed at the Hindu community— including arson, temple and idol assault—committed.
Increasing minority violence
Since the August 2024 coup led by Muhammad Yunus, tensions have been rising, so this assault is not a one-off event. Under this government, the state of affairs for Hindus and other small groups has worsened, with more and more damage to religious places and assaults documented. Saftey of a minority in Bangladesh has been a worry that many times have been raised by international organizations as well as India.
India Raises Cautionary
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during a recent meeting with Bangladesh’s Prime Minister Yunus, raised worries about the safety of minorities and advised the Bangladesh government to act firmly against the violent perpetrators.
