A 25-year-old Hindu man died after jumping into a canal while fleeing a mob that was chasing him on suspicion of theft in Bangladesh, in the latest incident highlighting growing concerns over violence against religious minorities ahead of the country’s upcoming parliamentary elections
Man dies while escaping mob
Police on Tuesday recovered the body of Mithun Sarkar, a resident of Bhandarpur village, from a canal. According to local authorities, Sarkar jumped into the water in an attempt to escape a mob that was allegedly chasing him on suspicion of theft. He drowned before help could arrive.
The incident has triggered fresh outrage as it comes amid a reported spike in attacks on religious minorities across Bangladesh in recent weeks.
Series of recent killings
Mithun Sarkar’s death is the latest in a string of violent incidents targeting members of the Hindu community. On Monday, a Hindu businessman who also served as the acting editor of a local newspaper was shot dead by unidentified assailants in Jessore district. On the same day, a 40-year-old Hindu grocery shop owner was killed with a sharp weapon in Narsingdi city.
Earlier, on January 3, Khokon Chandra Das (50) died after being brutally attacked and set on fire near Keurbhanga Bazar in Damudya, Shariatpur district.
These incidents followed a violent December. On December 24, Amrit Mondal was lynched in Rajbari town’s Pangsha upazila over alleged extortion. On December 18, Dipu Chandra Das (25) was lynched by a mob and his body set on fire in Mymensingh city over alleged blasphemy.
Election backdrop and political tension
The surge in violence comes as Bangladesh prepares for its first parliamentary elections since the 2024 mass uprising that toppled the government of Sheikh Hasina. Polling is scheduled for February 12.
Rights groups and observers have warned that the current political transition has weakened institutional safeguards, leaving minority communities increasingly vulnerable.
Council flags 51 incidents in December
The Council for Hindu, Buddhist, and Christian Unity said in a statement on Tuesday that at least 51 targeted incidents against minorities were recorded in December alone, including 10 murders. The council cited cases of arson, rape and looting, expressing concern that the violence may be aimed at intimidating minority voters ahead of the elections.
Human rights observers have urged the interim administration to ensure accountability and strengthen protection for vulnerable communities, warning that continued violence could undermine both public confidence and electoral stability.