A Hindu man was killed in Bangladesh’s Sunamganj district on Thursday, adding to a series of recent attacks that have raised concerns over the safety of religious minorities in the country.
The victim, identified as Joy Mahapatro, was allegedly assaulted and poisoned by a local resident, family members said.
He was later taken to Sylhet MAG Osmani Medical College Hospital, where he died while undergoing treatment in the intensive care unit.
The incident comes days after another Hindu man, 25-year-old Mithun Sarkar, died while trying to escape a mob that had accused him of theft. Sarkar reportedly jumped into a canal during the chase, and his body was recovered by police on Tuesday.
The case has drawn attention to the growing number of mob-related incidents involving members of minority communities.
These incidents have occurred amid a period of political uncertainty in Bangladesh, as the country prepares for its first parliamentary elections since the 2024 uprising that led to the removal of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina.
Rights groups have warned that the repeated attacks point to broader lapses in protection for vulnerable groups rather than isolated acts of violence.
Concerns have also been fuelled by the recent killing of Dipu Chandra Das, a 27-year-old garment worker from Mymensingh.
Das was allegedly forced to resign from his workplace before being handed over to a mob, which beat him to death, hanged his body from a tree and later set it on fire.
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The incident sparked widespread condemnation, both within Bangladesh and internationally.
Police have arrested Yasin Arafat, a former teacher, as the prime accused in Das’ killing. Investigators have said that several of Das’ co-workers were also involved in the assault, suggesting coordinated participation in the attack.
Human rights organisations have urged Bangladeshi authorities to take urgent steps to ensure the safety of religious minorities and prevent further violence.
The recent spate of killings and assaults has heightened fear within the Hindu community and renewed scrutiny of the state’s ability to maintain law and order for all citizens.
