Another Hindu Minority Killed in Bangladesh Just Before Elections; Hands and Feet Bound, Deep Wounds Found

Dhaka: As voting continues in Bangladesh’s parliamentary elections, a fresh act of violence has raised serious concerns over minority safety. Early reports indicate that a 28-year-old Hindu man was found dead in Moulvibazar district with his hands and feet bound and deep injuries across his body.

The victim, identified as Ratan Sahukar, worked in the tea gardens of the Champa area. His body was discovered on Wednesday morning around 10 a.m., hours after polls opened at 7:30 a.m. Local colleagues allege that the wounds and bindings indicate a deliberate killing rather than an accident. Blood was reportedly still visible at the scene.

Police have launched an investigation to determine whether the murder is linked to the elections or other motives. No official statement has yet been released regarding the cause or circumstances of death.

Pattern of Violence Against Minorities

This incident follows a troubling rise in violence against Hindus after the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government in August 2024. Just days earlier, in Mymensingh district, a 62-year-old Hindu rice trader, Sushen Chandra Sarkar, was brutally murdered by unidentified assailants inside his shop. The attackers reportedly stabbed Sarkar with a sharp weapon, left him inside the shop, closed the shutters, and stole all cash.

Voting is scheduled to continue until 4:30 p.m., with counting expected immediately after the polls close. Following the political unrest of July–August 2024, when violent protests forced Sheikh Hasina to flee to India, an interim government under Mohammad Yunus was installed. Critics say this administration has allowed extremist elements considerable freedom.

Yunus, however, has reiterated his commitment to a smooth transfer of power to the newly elected government and has urged political parties, candidates, and stakeholders to maintain restraint and uphold democratic norms during the elections.

The murder of Ratan Sahukar underscores ongoing fears over minority safety in Bangladesh, highlighting the urgent need for security measures as the nation votes.