In a shocking incident that has heightened concerns over the safety of religious minorities in Bangladesh, a 23-year-old Hindu mechanic was burned to death after assailants allegedly set fire to the garage where he was sleeping. The victim, identified as Chanchal Chandra Bhowmik, was the sole breadwinner for his family and worked at a local car repair workshop in Narsingdi town.
The tragedy unfolded late on January 23, when unknown perpetrators reportedly ignited a fire outside the garage, causing the blaze to rapidly spread and trap Bhowmik inside. He succumbed to severe burn injuries and suffocation, according to local reports. Bhowmik, originally from Lakshmipur village, had been residing in the workshop for work purposes.
Family members have alleged that the fire was a premeditated murder, pointing to possible communal motives. “This was no accident; it was planned to target him because of his faith,” a relative told reporters, demanding a thorough investigation. Police have seized CCTV footage from the site and are probing the case, though no arrests have been made yet.
This incident comes amid a surge in violence against Hindus in Bangladesh, with reports of at least seven such deaths in recent weeks. Just days prior, another Hindu man was killed in a separate attack in the same district, fueling fears of escalating communal strife as the country approaches national elections. Rights groups have raised alarms over the pattern of attacks on minorities, urging the government to take immediate action to protect vulnerable communities.
Bangladesh has a history of intermittent communal tensions, often exacerbated during political unrest. While official statements from Bangladeshi authorities on this specific case remain limited, the incident has drawn international attention, with calls for justice echoing from neighboring countries and diaspora communities.
Investigations are ongoing, and authorities have promised swift action. The Hindu Minority community in Narsingdi remains on edge, hoping for peace amid these turbulent times.
