Hindu Businessman Beaten to Death in Gazipur, Heightening Minority Fears Ahead of Election

Melbourne, January 18: In another incident of deadly violence against minorities, a Hindu businessman was beaten to death in Kaliganj upazila of Gazipur on Saturday, intensifying fear within the Hindu community as the national election approaches.

Police and local residents identified the victim as Liton Chandra Ghosh, also known as Kali. The 55-year-old was the owner of Baishakhi Sweetmeat and Hotel. Police have detained three people in connection with the killing. The detainees were identified as Swapan Mia, 55, his wife Majeda Khatun, 45, and their son Masum Mia, 28, according to Md Zakir Hossain, officer-in-charge of Kaliganj Police Station.

Family members of the victim said that around 11:00 am on Saturday, Masum went to the hotel and became involved in an argument with an employee, Ananta Das, over a trivial matter. Later, Masum’s parents arrived at the scene, and the dispute escalated into a physical confrontation. When hotel owner Liton Chandra Ghosh attempted to intervene and calm the situation, he was assaulted. Witnesses said he was struck on the head with a shovel, killing him on the spot.

The incident follows a series of attacks on members of the Hindu community. In December, 27-year-old garment worker Dipu Chandra Das was beaten to death by a mob over alleged blasphemy.

Rights groups have reported at least 51 incidents of violence against Hindus in recent months, including 10 killings. Subhajit Saha, senior coordinator of the Women’s Rights Division at Human Rights Watch, urged Bangladesh’s interim government and all political parties to commit to ensuring gender equality and protecting minority rights.

The latest killing has once again raised serious concerns about the safety of religious minorities in Bangladesh at a time of heightened political tension.