Bangladesh violence: Hindus targeted, youth killed in Narsingdi shop attack

Dhaka (The Uttam Hindu): Amidst the general election fever in Bangladesh, the series of attacks on the minority Hindu community shows no signs of abating. Reports of Hindus being targeted are emerging from various parts of the country. The latest and most horrific incident came from Narsingdi, where 23-year-old Chanchal Bhowmick was brutally murdered on Friday night. Meanwhile, inflammatory statements made by leaders of the radical organization Jamaat-e-Islami have further tensed the atmosphere.

The shop was set on fire after the shutter was pulled down

The incident in Narsindi has shamed humanity. Chanchal Bhowmick was sleeping inside his shop (garage) on Friday night. Unidentified assailants pulled down the shop's shutter from outside, doused it with petrol, and set it on fire. According to eyewitnesses and local residents, the attackers stood outside until Chanchal's screams died down. He died a painful death, engulfed in flames.

The deceased, Chanchal, was the sole support of his family, shouldering the responsibility of his ailing mother and disabled brother. Neighbors say he was a very quiet and hardworking young man. The victim's family alleges that this was not a robbery or a simple crime, but a premeditated murder motivated by religious hatred. Similar atrocities have previously been committed against Hindu youths like Dipu Chandra Das and Khokon Chandra Das.

Jamaat leader spews venom, says there is no place for Hindus in Parliament

The rhetoric of radical organizations is playing a significant role in fueling this grassroots violence. Afzal Hussain, leader of Jamaat-e-Islami and candidate from the Barguna-2 constituency, recently added fuel to the fire with a controversial statement. Addressing an election rally, Hussain openly declared that in a country where 80 percent of the population is Muslim, there should be no place for non-Muslims in Parliament. Furthermore, he rejected the country's constitution and advocated the implementation of medieval penal laws, such as amputation of hands.

A businessman was also beaten to death in Ghazipur

This wave of violence isn't limited to Narsindi. Just a week ago, a minor dispute escalated into communal violence in Ghazipur. Hindu businessman Liton Chandra Ghosh was beaten to death over a bunch of bananas. Liton owned the Baisakhi Sweetmeat and Hotel.

Police investigations have revealed that a bunch of bananas had gone missing from the plantation of accused Masoom Mian, which he spotted in Liton's shop. An argument ensued, and Masoom, his father Swapan Mian (55), and mother Majeda Khatoon (45) attacked Liton. According to police, the accused kicked and punched Liton so badly that he fell to the ground and died on the spot. Police have taken all three accused into custody, but these repeated incidents have created an atmosphere of panic among the Hindu community.