Anti-Minority Violence Continues in Bangladesh: 60-Year-Old Hindu Businessman Beaten to Death by Mob

In yet another shocking instance of mob violence targeting minorities in Bangladesh, Liton Chandra Das, a Hindu trader, was battered to death in the Kaliganj area, triggering widespread fear and outrage among local residents. Das, who owned a small hotel and confectionery shop, became the victim of a violent assault after a seemingly minor disagreement escalated into a fatal attack.

The incident occurred early on Saturday when an argument broke out between a customer and Ananta Das, an employee working at Liton’s shop. According to local accounts, the disagreement initially appeared trivial but quickly spiralled out of control as tempers flared among those present.

When Liton Chandra Das intervened to defend his employee and calm the situation, he reportedly became the primary target of the enraged group. Witnesses stated that a mob of patrons surrounded him and began assaulting him mercilessly.

Eyewitnesses alleged that Das was first punched and kicked repeatedly before the attackers escalated the violence by striking him with a shovel. The sustained assault left him with severe injuries, and he reportedly collapsed at the scene. Despite attempts by locals to intervene, Das succumbed to his injuries before any meaningful assistance could be provided.

The killing caused panic and outrage in the neighbourhood, prompting swift action from local law enforcement. Police rushed to the spot soon after receiving information about the incident and managed to bring the situation under control. Authorities confirmed that three individuals have been detained so far in connection with the attack.

The victim’s body has been sent for post-mortem examination, and officials stated that a detailed investigation is underway to identify all those involved in the assault. Police have assured that strict legal action will be taken against the perpetrators.

Residents in the area have expressed deep concern over the growing instances of mob violence and have demanded a fair, transparent investigation along with exemplary punishment for those responsible. Many locals said such incidents have created an atmosphere of fear, particularly among minority communities.

In a separate but equally disturbing incident highlighting the lawlessness faced by ordinary citizens, Ripon Saha, an employee at a fuel station in Bangladesh, was crushed to death after attempting to stop a vehicle from fleeing without paying for fuel. According to a report by news agency PTI, the incident took place at Karim Filling Station, where Saha was on duty.

A black SUV reportedly arrived at the petrol pump, refuelled diesel worth Rs 3,710, and attempted to escape without making payment. When Saha tried to block the vehicle and prevent it from leaving, the driver allegedly ran him over, killing him on the spot.

Police have arrested Abul Hashem, also known as Sujan, 55, and his driver Kamal Hossain, 43, in connection with the case. Sujan is reported to be the treasurer of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) in the Rajbari district, adding a political dimension to the incident.

These killings come amid a troubling pattern of mob violence and targeted attacks in Bangladesh over the past few months. Several such incidents have been reported following the death of anti-India radical student leader Sharif Osman Hadi, after which tensions appear to have escalated.

On December 18, Dipu Chandra Das, a textile industry worker, was allegedly lynched and his body set on fire by a mob following accusations of blasphemy. Days later, Amrit Mondal, identified as a top-tier criminal, was beaten to death by a mob in the Rajbari district over alleged extortion charges.

Human Rights observers and minority groups have repeatedly raised concerns over the growing frequency of mob violence and the apparent targeting of minorities, urging Bangladeshi authorities to ensure accountability, restore public confidence, and uphold the rule of law.