Second targeted killing in days intensifies concerns over rising attacks on religious minorities
A 29-year-old Hindu man was beaten to death by a mob in Bangladesh’s Rajbari district on Wednesday night, marking the second such incident against the country’s religious minority community in less than a week.
The victim, identified as Amrit Mondal, also known as Samrat, was assaulted around 11 p.m. at Hossaindanga Old Market in Pangsha Upazila. He was found in critical condition by local police and was rushed to Pangsha Upazila Health Complex for treatment, where he succumbed to his injuries.
Details of the Incident
According to Pangsha Model Police Station Officer-in-Charge Sheikh Moinul Islam, the violence erupted following allegations that Mondal was demanding extortion from local residents. The police official stated that Mondal was the leader of a criminal group referred to as “Samrat Bahini” and had been involved in extortion and other criminal activities in the region.
The incident occurred when Mondal allegedly went to a house in the old market area seeking ransom. When the homeowner refused, members of his gang reportedly returned later. Unable to find the house owner, they allegedly assaulted his son. The family’s cries for help—shouting “robber”—prompted nearby residents to gather and attack Mondal.
Police records indicate that Mondal had a criminal background with multiple cases registered against him, including murder charges. However, these pending legal cases did not prevent the mob violence.
Police Response and Arrests
One of Mondal’s associates, Salim Sheikh, was captured by locals along with two firearms—a pistol and a one-shooter gun. Salim was subsequently handed over to police. Police officials said that the body has been recovered and sent for autopsy, with multiple cases being prepared in connection with the incident.
Pattern of Violence Against Minorities
The killing comes just six days after another high-profile mob lynching in the country. On December 18, a Hindu factory worker named Dipu Chandra Das was beaten to death in Bhaluka, Mymensingh, after being accused of blasphemy over alleged derogatory remarks about Islam. Following his death, the mob tied his body to a tree and set it on fire.
These incidents underscore the deteriorating security situation for religious minorities in Bangladesh, particularly following political changes in the country.
Government and Community Response
The Bangladesh government has condemned the violence against minorities. In a statement, the interim government declared: “We deeply condemn the incident in Mymensingh where a Hindu man was beaten to death. There is no place for such violence in the new Bangladesh. No one involved in this brutal crime will be spared.”
Adviser of Religious Affairs AFM Khalid Hossain similarly denounced the violence, stating that “the government will not tolerate such violence.”
The Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council, the country’s largest minority organization, has condemned such incidents, emphasizing that they undermine communal harmony and demanding swift action against perpetrators.
Broader Context
According to the 2022 Bangladesh national census, approximately 13.1 million Hindus live in Bangladesh, comprising about 7.95% of the country’s population. In recent months, the minority community has faced escalating violence and targeted attacks.
The incidents have drawn international attention, with protests erupting in India’s capital, New Delhi, in response to the killings. Indian political leaders have called for government action to address the safety concerns of religious minorities in neighboring Bangladesh.
Investigation Ongoing
Authorities have launched an investigation to identify those involved in the assault and establish the sequence of events leading to Mondal’s death. Additional police personnel have been deployed to the area to prevent further unrest.
