- By Shivangi Sharma
- Sun, 18 Jan 2026 11:19 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
A Hindu businessman was beaten to death while trying to protect his employee during an altercation with customers in Ghazipur, Bangladesh. The killing took place on Saturday morning in Kaliganjupazila of Gazipur district, heightening fears within minority communities ahead of the national elections. The victim was identified as Liton Chandra Ghosh, also known locally as Kali. The 55-year-old owned Baishakhi Sweetmeat and Hotel, a well-known local eatery.
According to police and local residents, the incident began with a heated argument between a customer and Liton’s employee, Ananta Das. As tensions escalated, Liton intervened to protect his staff member. Instead of calming the situation, several people reportedly turned on the shop owner. Eyewitnesses said Liton was first punched and kicked by a group of customers before one of the attackers assaulted him with a shovel.
The attack left him with severe injuries, and he died on the spot before locals or emergency services could intervene.
Police Detain Multiple Suspects
Police rushed to the scene after being alerted and brought the situation under control. Md Zakir Hossain, officer-in-charge of Kaliganj police station, said three people have been detained in connection with the killing. They were identified as Swapan Mia (55), his wife Majeda Khatun (45), and their son Masum Mia (28). Liton’s body has been sent for post-mortem examination.
Authorities are also reviewing CCTV footage from the area as part of the investigation. In a related development, police arrested Abul Hashem, alias Sujan, a 55-year-old former treasurer of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) in Rajbari district, along with his 43-year-old driver Kamal Hossain, for their alleged involvement in the case.
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Back-To-Back Attacks Spark Outrage
The killing has sparked widespread outrage in the local community. The incident comes just a day after another Hindu man, 30-year-old Ripon Saha, was allegedly crushed to death by an SUV at a fuel station. Saha, a fuel station worker, reportedly tried to stop a vehicle from leaving without paying for fuel when the car ran over him and fled.
Bangladesh has around 13.13 million Hindus, accounting for about 7.95 per cent of the population, according to the 2022 census. The Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council has expressed grave concern over what it describes as a growing pattern of attacks on minority communities.