Dhaka: Bhabesh Chandra Roy, a prominent Hindu community leader in Bangladesh, was abducted and beaten to death in the Dinajpur district, triggering widespread outrage and renewed concerns over the safety of minorities in the country.
Roy, 58, was the vice-president of the Biral unit of the Bangladesh Puja Udjapan Parishad, and a respected figure in Basudebpur village, located approximately 330 km northwest of Dhaka.
According to reports, Roy was forcibly taken from his home on Thursday afternoon by bike-borne assailants. Witnesses said he was transported to Narabari village, where he was brutally assaulted. Later, his unconscious body was returned to his home on a van.
Family members rushed him to a local health complex and then to Dinajpur Medical College Hospital, where doctors declared him dead on arrival. His body has been sent for autopsy.
Planned Attack
Roy’s wife, Shantana Roy, told The Daily Star that the attack appeared to be premeditated. She said her husband received a suspicious phone call around 4:30 PM, likely to confirm his presence at home. About 30 minutes later, four men arrived and abducted him.
Shantana claimed to have recognized two of the attackers, and police say a case is being prepared, with efforts underway to apprehend the suspects.
Ongoing Targeting of Minorities
The incident adds to a disturbing pattern of violence against minorities in Bangladesh. According to a report by Ain o Salish Kendra (AsK), a Dhaka-based human rights organisation, 147 attacks on Hindu homes, temples, and businesses were recorded recently. This included 408 vandalized households, 36 arson cases, 113 attacks on businesses, and 92 incidents of idol vandalism.
The situation has worsened since the fall of the Awami League government, with minority communities, particularly Hindus, facing increased hostility and targeted violence across various regions.
India’s Concerns
India has expressed repeated concern over the treatment of Hindu and other minority communities in Bangladesh. Earlier this month, Prime Minister Narendra Modi raised the issue directly with Bangladesh Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus during the BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok, underlining the importance of ensuring safety and protection for minorities.
As investigations continue into Roy’s death, the incident serves as a grim reminder of the growing insecurity faced by religious minorities in parts of Bangladesh.
