Rising Violence Against Hindus in Bangladesh: Third Killing in Two Weeks

In a grim development in Bangladesh, another Hindu man has been killed in Bhaluka upazila of Mymensingh district, less than two weeks after the brutal lynching of Dipu Chandra Das. The latest victim, Bajendra Biswas, a 40-year-old security guard at a garment factory, was shot dead inside his workplace on December 30, 2025. Authorities have arrested a colleague, Noman Mia, who allegedly fired the gun. While initial reports suggest the shot occurred during an interaction, investigators are probing whether the killing was intentional or accidental.

This incident marks the third violent attack against Hindu community members in the district in just under two weeks, raising serious concerns about the safety of minorities in the region.

Bangladesh sidesteps India's concerns over Hindu minorities after lynching case (file photo) | LiveMint

The Lynching of Dipu Chandra Das

The killing of Bajendra Biswas follows the shocking lynching of Dipu Chandra Das, a 27-year-old Hindu garment worker, on December 18, 2025, in the same area. Das was accused of making blasphemous remarks, although investigations later found no evidence to support these allegations. He was beaten to death by a mob, and his body was reportedly tied to a tree and set on fire.

This act of violence drew widespread condemnation from civil society, human rights organizations, and political figures within Bangladesh. Many criticized the brutality and the apparent targeting of a vulnerable minority group. The lynching highlighted the persistent dangers of mob justice in the country, particularly against religious minorities.

Government Response and Official Statements

In response to these incidents, the Bangladesh government condemned the killings and promised to take responsibility for the victims' families. Officials emphasized that acts of mob violence are unacceptable and stressed that the state will ensure accountability. However, the government has faced criticism for framing these attacks as isolated events, rather than addressing the broader pattern of hostility against minority communities. Critics argue that without stronger protections and proactive measures, such incidents are likely to continue.

Growing Pattern of Attacks on Minorities

The murders of Biswas and Das are not isolated cases. Analysts point to a troubling trend of rising violence against Hindus and other religious minorities in Bangladesh throughout 2025. In July, the Gangachara Hindu neighbourhood in Rangpur witnessed attacks where homes were vandalized and looted, forcing families to flee. Observers argue that accusations of blasphemy and minor disputes are often exploited to justify acts of violence, leaving minority communities highly vulnerable.

International and Domestic Reactions

These killings have drawn attention both within Bangladesh and abroad. Human rights organizations, community leaders, and activists have condemned the attacks and called for immediate measures to protect minorities. In India, protests were held to demand justice for the victims, with officials expressing concern over the recurring violence. International observers emphasize that protecting religious minorities is a key indicator of human rights and social stability.

The MGMM Outlook

The recent killing of Bajendra Biswas, a 40‑year‑old Hindu security guard in Bhaluka, Mymensingh District, Bangladesh, adds to a distressing sequence of violent attacks against members of the Hindu community in late 2025. Biswas was shot dead inside a garment factory by a colleague, who has been arrested amid an investigation into whether the shooting was intentional or accidental. This marks the third such incident within two weeks in the same region, following the brutal lynching of Dipu Chandra Das on December 18, whose body was beaten and set on fire without evidence supporting the alleged blasphemy claims, and the later killing of another Hindu man. Such repeated fatalities, alongside reports of vandalism and attacks on minority homes earlier in the year, highlight an environment where religious minorities increasingly face physical danger and insecurity.

The response from Bangladeshi authorities, while formally condemning the specific acts and pledging accountability, has often characterized these events as isolated, avoiding acknowledgment of broader patterns of hostility against minority communities. This tension is reflected in international reactions including protests in neighbouring India and statements from foreign governments and rights organizations calling for stronger protections. Domestic discourse continues to question the effectiveness of existing safeguards and law enforcement in preventing mob violence and ensuring justice for vulnerable groups. Without tangible measures to address the root causes of recurring violence, fears persist among affected communities and observers that such incidents may continue. 

(Sources: Indian Express, LiveMint, OpIndia)