Hindu Businessman Shot Dead in Bangladesh
Rana Pratap Bairagi, a 38-year-old Hindu businessman, was brutally shot dead in Bangladesh’s Jashore region, highlighting the alarming trend of violence against Hindus in the country. As the acting editor of a local newspaper, 'Dainik BD Khabar', Bairagi was known in his community. He owned an ice-making factory in Kopaliya Bazar, where he met his tragic fate.
On Monday evening, around 5:45 PM, three assailants on a motorcycle called Bairagi out of his factory. They led him to a nearby alley, where they shot him multiple times in the head. The attack was swift and shocking, leaving the local community in fear and panic.
Witnesses reported that the attackers approached Bairagi and, after a brief exchange, opened fire. The sound of gunshots echoed through Kopalia market, creating a scene of chaos. Bairagi died on the spot, and the attackers fled immediately.
The motive for this heinous act remains unclear, but it comes amid rising incidents of violence against the Hindu community in Bangladesh. Over the past three weeks, five individuals from this community have been killed in separate incidents, raising concerns about their safety in a predominantly Muslim country.
Local authorities have initiated an investigation to determine the identity of the assailants and the reasons behind the murder. Police officials, including Monirampur police station officer-in-charge Md Raziullah Khan, stated that legal action is being taken as they pursue leads in this case.
The death of Rana Pratap Bairagi serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by minority communities in regions where sectarian violence persists. As the community grapples with this tragedy, the need for safety and justice becomes increasingly urgent.
