Tragedy has struck Bangladesh twice recently, highlighting a disturbing pattern of violence. In Gazipur, 55-year-old Hindu businessman Liton Chandra Ghosh lost his life after a seemingly trivial argument over missing bananas. Police allege Liton was assaulted by three family members, now detained, who accused him of taking their bananas. The dispute quickly escalated, leading to Liton’s collapse and death on the spot.
Just a day earlier, in Rajbari, 30-year-old Ripon Saha, a Hindu fuel station worker, was tragically crushed to death. He attempted to stop a black SUV from fleeing without paying for fuel, a courageous act that cost him his life.
These aren’t isolated incidents. Both deaths, alongside other recent events like an arson attack on a Hindu family’s home in Sylhet and the lynching of Dipu Chandra Das over blasphemy allegations, are deepening fears among Bangladesh’s religious minorities. Rights organizations are flagging an alarming increase in such attacks, linking them to the country’s shifting political climate.
The situation has even strained international relations, with India expressing serious concerns about the safety of minorities in Bangladesh. New Delhi has criticized the interim government for allegedly downplaying the communal nature of these violent acts. However, the Bangladeshi interim administration firmly rejects claims of targeted attacks, attributing reports to “false propaganda” aimed at disrupting social harmony.
As investigations continue into both Liton and Ripon’s tragic deaths, these cases underscore a critical need for robust policing, enhanced protection for minority communities, and greater accountability in a nation grappling with heightened political and social tensions. Justice for the victims and reassurance for the vulnerable are paramount.
