Ahead of the upcoming February elections, a Hindu journalist was shot dead in broad daylight in Bangladesh. The horrifying incident took place in the middle of a crowded market in the presence of bystanders. The attackers allegedly opened fire on the victim and fled the scene. Later authorities have confirmed the death of the individual.
According to a Blitz editor, Salah Uddin Shoaib Choudhury, the victim has been identified as Rana Pratap Bairagi, a journalist of a local daily BD Khobor.
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The shooting occurred around 5:45 PM local time at the Kopalia Bazar located in the Southern part of the country, according to a report by the Khoborer Kagoj. Reports indicated that Bairagi was the acting editor of the Narail-based daily and was also linked to a local business at the Kopalia Bazar in Jessore district.
Police have confirmed the death of the individual. However, no information regarding the investigation has been released yet.
Religious violence in Bangladesh
This incident marks another act of violence targeting Hindu citizens in recent weeks. On 31 December, Khokon Das, a Hindu medical shop owner was attacked while returning home from his store in Shariatpur district. He was allegedly stabbed and beaten by a mob. The attackers later poured petrol on the victim and set him on fire. The doctors later declared him dead at Dhaka Medical College Hospital.
27-year-old Hindu garment worker Dipu Chandra Das was lynched in Mymensingh district's Bhaluka on 18 December last year. Police and media reports stated that he was accused of making insulting remarks about Islam during a factory event. Investigators later found no substantial evidence to support the claims. Police stated that arrests had been made in connection with the case.
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The recent political unrest in Bangladesh also included non-fatal incidents. A 40-year-old Hindu woman registered a police complaint. She alleged that two men had sexually assaulted and cut her hair over a land dispute, while she was tied to a tree. Later, two suspects were arrested, according to a Bangladesh Pratidin report.
Near the end of last year, Bangladesh witnessed multiple acts of violence based on religious targeting, raising concerns about the safety of minorities in the country.
