A Hindu security guard was shot dead at a garment factory in Mymensingh, Bangladesh, the third such killing of a Hindu in two weeks.
A Hindu man was shot dead inside a garment factory in Bangladesh’s Mymensingh district on Monday evening, raising renewed concerns over the safety of religious minorities in the country. This is the third killing of a Hindu individual reported in Bangladesh within the past 12 days.
The incident took place around 6:45 pm at Sultana Sweaters Limited in Bhaluka Upazila. The victim has been identified as Bajendra Biswas (42), who was working as a security guard at the factory.
According to police and eyewitnesses, an argument broke out between Bajendra and his co-worker, Noman Mia (29), who was also on security duty. During the dispute, Noman allegedly pointed a government-issued shotgun at Bajendra. The gun went off during the confrontation, and the bullet hit Bajendra in the thigh. He suffered severe bleeding and died before receiving proper medical treatment.
Police have arrested the accused and launched an investigation into the incident.
Third Hindu Killing in Less Than Two Weeks
Bajendra’s killing is the third incident involving the death of a Hindu individual in Bangladesh in recent weeks.
On December 24, a 29-year-old Hindu man, Amrit Mondal, was allegedly beaten to death by a mob in Rajbari district after being accused of extortion. Police said Amrit had previous criminal cases registered against him.
Earlier, on December 18, another Hindu youth, Dipu Chandra Das, was lynched near Dhaka following allegations of blasphemy. His body was later set on fire. However, investigators later stated that there was no evidence to support claims that Dipu had shared any religiously offensive content online.
Bangladesh’s Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) confirmed that allegations circulating on social media regarding Dipu Das were false and unverified.
Violence After Student Leader’s Death
The killing of Dipu Das occurred amid violent protests following the death of student leader Sharif Usman Bin Hadi, who was shot during election campaigning on December 12. He later died on December 18 after being airlifted to Singapore for treatment.
After his death, protests turned violent in Dhaka and other cities. Mobs allegedly vandalised and set fire to the offices of newspapers The Daily Star and Prothom Alo in the capital. Hadi had previously criticised both publications, accusing them of being secular and pro-Hindu.
Authorities continue to investigate the recent incidents as concerns grow over communal violence and law and order in the country.
