Second Hindu Man Killed in Bangladesh Within 24 Hours Amid Ongoing Unrest

Another member of Bangladesh’s Hindu minority community has been killed, marking the second fatal attack within 24 hours amid continuing unrest and raising fresh concerns over minority safety.

Mani Chakraborty, a grocery shop owner, was attacked on Monday night while running his shop at Charsindur Bazar in Palash upazila of Narsingdi district, near Dhaka. According to eyewitnesses, unidentified assailants assaulted him with sharp weapons in the busy market area.

He suffered critical injuries and was rushed to hospital by local residents, but died on the way or shortly after admission. The attack triggered panic among traders and residents in the market.

A family member, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Mani lived a simple life and had no known disputes. The relative said he was deeply disturbed by the deteriorating situation in the country and had recently expressed concern on social media about the rising violence. In a Facebook post dated December 19, Mani wrote: “So much fire everywhere, so much violence. My birthplace has turned into a valley of death…”

Neighbours described him as calm, humane and socially responsible, adding that he had no known enemies. They believe the attack may have been linked to his Hindu identity. Mani had previously worked in South Korea before returning to Bangladesh a few years ago. He later built a house in Brahmandi area of Narsingdi town, where he lived with his family.

Journalist shot dead in Jashore market

Earlier the same evening, another Hindu man was shot dead in a separate incident in Jashore district. The victim, Rana Pratap, 45, was killed around 5:45 pm at Kopalia Bazar in Manirampur upazila when unidentified assailants opened fire on him in public. He was shot multiple times and died at the scene.

Rana Pratap was a journalist and served as the acting editor of a local newspaper.

Police from Manirampur Police Station reached the site shortly after the incident. Officer-in-Charge Rajiullah Khan confirmed that legal procedures were underway, including recovery of the body and arrangements for a post-mortem examination. An investigation has been launched to identify and apprehend the attackers.

Series of recent killings raise alarm

The two killings add to a growing list of violent incidents involving members of the Hindu community in recent weeks. Dipu Chandra Das, a garment factory worker, was lynched during mob violence, while Amrit Mondal was also reported killed amid the unrest.

In another incident in Mymensingh, Bajendra Biswas was shot dead. On December 31, Hindu businessman Khokon Chandra Das was stabbed and set on fire by a mob in Shariatpur district. He later succumbed to his injuries while undergoing treatment in hospital.

The spate of attacks has intensified concerns among minority communities and prompted calls for stronger protection and accountability as Bangladesh continues to grapple with political instability and widespread unrest.