INTERNATIONAL: Another Hindu Killed in Bangladesh
A 40-year-old Hindu security guard, Bajendra Biswas, lost his life in a shooting at a garment factory in the Mymensingh district.
The event unfolded around 6:45 PM on Monday, sparking fresh alarm among locals.
Biswas worked as part of the Ansar force, a local defense group tasked with protecting the site.
Account from the Accused
Noman Mia, Biswas’s 29-year-old colleague, stated the shooting happened during casual talk in the barracks.
He explained that he playfully aimed a shotgun at Biswas, but the trigger fired unexpectedly, striking his left thigh. Mia insisted it was an accident, not deliberate harm.
Immediate Aftermath
Biswas was rushed to a nearby hospital, where medical staff pronounced him dead on arrival.
The factory, Sultana Sweaters Limited in Bhaluka upazila, became a scene of chaos. Witnesses described the shock as colleagues grappled with the sudden loss.
Police Actions
Authorities arrested Mia shortly after the incident and filed a case for further probe.
Investigators are examining the shotgun, a government-issued weapon, to determine if foul play was involved. Officials noted the need to clarify motives amid rising tensions.
Link to Recent Violence
This marks the third killing of a Hindu man in Bangladesh within two weeks, heightening fears.
Earlier, 25-year-old Deepu Chandra Das was mobbed and killed in the same district over a blasphemy claim.
Days later, Amrit Mandal, 29, faced a similar fate in Rajbari, beaten by villagers accusing him of extortion.
Details on Prior Attacks
Deepu Chandra Das endured a brutal lynching, with his body later set ablaze by the crowd.
Video evidence showed him being dragged away before the assault. Amrit Mandal’s death followed allegations that locals tied to his supposed crimes, though his family disputes the claims.
Broader Unrest in Bangladesh
These events occur against a backdrop of political instability and minority targeting in the country.
Protests and condemnations have erupted, with calls for better protection. Families of victims express deep worry, feeling vulnerable in daily life.
Calls for Justice
Human rights groups urge swift investigations to prevent escalation.
- Ensure fair trials for accused individuals.
- Boost security in minority-heavy areas.
- Address root causes like false accusations.
Impact on Communities
Survivors and relatives now live in constant fear, altering routines to avoid risks.
Stories from affected families highlight personal tolls, from lost livelihoods to emotional scars. The pattern raises questions about systemic biases.
Global Response Needed
International observers stress the urgency for dialogue and reforms in Bangladesh.
Without action, such tragedies may continue, eroding trust in authorities. Voices from India and beyond demand accountability to safeguard lives.