Dhaka (Rajeev Sharma): A Hindu member of Bangladesh’s auxiliary security force was shot dead while on duty at a garment factory in Mymensingh district, adding to a troubling series of violent incidents involving minority community members reported this month.
The victim, 40-year-old Bajendra Biswas, was deployed at Sultana Sweaters Limited in the Mehrabari area of Bhaluka upazila when the incident took place. Biswas served with the Ansar Bahini, a paramilitary organisation under the Ministry of Home Affairs that assists with internal security and law enforcement duties.
Police officials said the fatal shooting was carried out by another Ansar member, identified as Noman Mia, who was stationed at the same factory. The accused was arrested following a search operation conducted in the early hours of Tuesday.
Local media reports indicated that around 20 Ansar personnel were assigned to security duties at the factory at the time. Initial findings suggest that Biswas and the accused were together shortly before the shooting. After being injured, Biswas was taken to the local Upazila Health Complex, where doctors declared him dead.
An Ansar officer who witnessed the incident told authorities that there was no apparent disagreement between the two men prior to the shooting, describing the act as sudden and unexpected.
Confirming the arrest, Mymensingh Additional Superintendent of Police Abdullah Al Mamun said an investigation has been launched to determine what led to the killing. The victim’s body has been sent to Mymensingh Medical College Hospital for autopsy, and formal legal proceedings are underway.
The death of Biswas is the third reported killing of a Hindu individual in Bangladesh in less than a week and the second such case in Mymensingh district. On December 24, a Hindu youth named Amrit Mondal was reportedly killed by a mob in Kalimohar Union. Earlier, on December 18, another factory worker, Dipu Chandra Das, lost his life following allegations of blasphemy, an incident that drew widespread condemnation.
These incidents have intensified concerns over the safety of religious minorities in Bangladesh. Several international human rights groups have pointed to a rise in attacks and intimidation, particularly during the ongoing political transition under the interim administration.
India recently voiced strong concern over continued violence against minorities in Bangladesh, stating that it is closely monitoring the situation and urging the protection of all religious communities in the country.
