A Hindu grocery shop owner became the latest victim in a disturbing series of attacks targeting minority communities in Bangladesh. Sarat Chakraborty Mani was brutally killed on Monday night in Narsingdi, on the outskirts of Dhaka, bringing the death toll to six within a mere 18 days.
Details of the Latest Attack
According to local reports and residents, the 40-year-old Mani was at his shop in Charsindur Bazar, Palash Upazila, when unidentified assailants launched a sudden assault using sharp weapons. The attack left him with critical injuries. Although locals immediately rushed him to a hospital, he succumbed to his wounds on the way. Weekly Blitz, in its report, stated that Chakraborty was killed by extremist religious fundamentalists.
This incident occurred on the same day another Hindu businessman was murdered in a separate attack. Rana Pratap Bairagi, 38, who owned an ice factory and served as the acting editor of the 'Dainik BD Khabar' newspaper, was shot dead by unidentified attackers in Jessore district's Keshabpur Upazila. He also died while being transported to the hospital.
A Troubling Pattern of Violence
Mani's killing is not an isolated event but part of a horrifying pattern. Investigations are ongoing, but local media suggests a possible link to a Facebook post. On December 19, Mani expressed his anguish about the violence in the country, describing his birthplace as having tragically become "a valley of death."
The recent weeks have seen a sharp spike in such brutal incidents:
- January 3: Khokon Chandra Das (50) died after being hacked and set on fire.
- December 24: Amrit Mondal was lynched over alleged extortion in Rajbari.
- December 18: Dipu Chandra Das (25) was lynched and his body burned over alleged blasphemy in Mymensingh.
- December 23: Unidentified men set fire to the home of expatriate workers in Chattogram, though the residents escaped unharmed.
Broader Implications and Official Concern
This wave of violence highlights a severe crisis of safety and law enforcement for minorities in Bangladesh. The issue has drawn international attention, with India's Ministry of External Affairs expressing serious concern. The MEA linked these killings to the wider question of minority safety and law and order, noting that independent assessments have documented a staggering over 2,900 incidents of violence against minorities during the tenure of the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus. These incidents include killings, arson, and land grabbing.
The alarming trend underscores several critical takeaways. The safety and wellbeing of minority communities are under grave threat. Furthermore, speaking out against violence, even on social media, can now have fatal consequences. Most importantly, these events point to an urgent need for stronger law enforcement and concrete protection measures to prevent further bloodshed and restore a sense of security.
