DHAKA, Bangladesh — A Hindu businessman was hacked to death inside his shop in central Bangladesh late Monday, adding to growing concerns over violence targeting religious minorities just days before the country’s national election.
The victim, identified as 62-year-old Sushen Chandra Sarkar, owned a business called Ms. Bhai Bhai Enterprises in Trishal upazila of Mymensingh district. According to local media reports and police, the attack took place around 11 p.m. at the Bogar Bazar intersection.
Assailants allegedly entered the shop, attacked Sarkar with a sharp weapon, looted several lakhs of Bangladeshi taka, and then shut the store’s metal shutters, leaving him inside. Family members later found him critically injured and rushed him to Mymensingh Medical College Hospital, where doctors declared him dead.
Speaking to local media, Sarkar’s son, Sujan Sarkar, said the family had no known disputes with anyone and described the killing as brutal. He said the business had been operating for many years and demanded strict punishment for those responsible.
Police confirmed the incident and said an investigation is underway. Trishal Police Station Officer-in-Charge Muhammad Firoz Hossain said officers inspected the scene after being alerted by the family and that legal proceedings have begun.
The killing comes just three days before Bangladesh’s national election and has intensified fears among minority communities amid reports of a broader rise in attacks across the country. Observers say the timing has heightened anxiety over security and political stability.
Earlier last month, India publicly expressed concern over repeated attacks on minorities in Bangladesh, particularly Hindus, and said it was closely monitoring developments while urging decisive action to address communal violence.
Bangladesh has seen a series of incidents involving minority communities in recent months, drawing criticism from human rights groups and concern from international observers as the country heads into a pivotal election period. (Source: IANS)
