Hindu Leader Abducted, Beaten To Death In Bangladesh; No Arrests So Far

Last Updated:April 19, 2025, 08:59 IST

Bhabesh Chandra Roy, 58, a resident of Basudebpur village of Dinajpur, was reportedly abducted from his home by bike-borne assailants and beaten to death.

Attacks against Hindus in Bangladesh have increased since the ouster of Sheikh Hasina's government. (Reuters/Representative Image)

A prominent Hindy community leader was allegedly abducted from his home and beaten to death in Bangladesh’s Dinajpur district, according to a media report on Friday.

The body of Bhabesh Chandra Roy, 58, a resident of Basudebpur village of Dinajpur, about 330 kilometres northwest of Dhaka, was recovered on Thursday night, The Daily Star reported, quoting police and family members.

Roy was vice-president of the Biral unit of the Bangladesh Puja Udjapan Parishad and held influence among the Hindu community in the area, according to the report. Police recovered Bhabesh’s body around 10:00 pm last night.

What Happened?

Bhabesh’s wife, Shantana Roy, told The Daily Star that he was at home in the afternoon when he received a phone call around 4:30 pm, which was made by the perpetrators to confirm his presence at home.

Around half an hour later, four men arrived on bikes and allegedly abducted Bhabesh from the premises. Witnesses saw him being taken to Narabari village, where he was brutally beaten to death. The attackers reportedly sent his unconscious body back to his home on a van.

Family members, with the help of locals, rushed Bhabesh to a health complex, from where he was transferred to Dinajpur Medical College Hospital, where on-duty doctors declared him dead upon arrival. Police sent the body to the hospital morgue for an autopsy.

Shantana Roy claimed she recognised two of the assailants. Police said preparations were underway to file a case and arrest the suspects involved.

Hindus Attacked In Bangladesh

Last month, a report by the Dhaka-based human rights organisation Ain O Salish Kendra (AsK) revealed a total of 147 incidents involving the vandalism of homes, temples, and business establishments belonging to the Hindu community across Bangladesh.

In these incidents, approximately 408 households were vandalised, including 36 cases of arson. Additionally, there were reports of 113 attacks on business establishments owned by members of the minority community, 32 attacks on temples and mosques belonging to the Ahmadiyya sect, and 92 incidents of idol vandalism in 92 temples.

In September 2024, Prothom Alo, the country’s leading Bengali daily, reported that following the fall of the Awami League government, there had been numerous attacks on minority communities across the country, particularly targeting the Hindu community. In many areas, homes, businesses, and places of worship belonging to Hindus continue to be targeted.

India has time and again raised concerns against the atrocities against Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh. Earlier this month, Prime Minister Narendra Modi raised the issue of the safety and security of minorities in Bangladesh, including Hindus, during his meeting with Bangladesh Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, held on the sidelines of the BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok.

Dhaka, Bangladesh

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