• Source:JND

A 21-year-old Hindu youth died in Bangladesh’s Sunamganj district after allegedly being beaten, humiliated and forced to consume poison, triggering fresh concerns over the safety of minority communities as the country heads towards its 13th Parliamentary elections.

The victim, identified as Joy Mahapatra, a resident of Dirai Upazila in Sunamganj, succumbed at Sylhet MAG Osmani Medical College Hospital on Friday morning. His family has accused a local shopkeeper of assaulting and provoking him, leading to his death. Police said the matter is under investigation.

Allegations Of Assault And Poisoning

According to family members, Joy had purchased a mobile phone from a shop owned by Amirul Islam of Burhanpur village for 5,500 taka, paying part of the amount upfront and agreeing to clear the balance in weekly instalments. The family claims that while Joy had regularly paid, a dispute arose over the final instalment of 500 taka.

Joy’s cousin Ayon Das alleged that on Thursday evening, Joy went to the shop to clear the dues but was beaten, verbally abused and publicly humiliated. His mobile phone was allegedly seized. Shortly after returning home, Joy reportedly consumed poison. He was first taken to Dirai Upazila Health Complex and later referred to Sylhet due to his critical condition, where he died. The accused shopkeeper has denied the allegations, claiming Joy still owed a larger sum and insisting that no poison was given. Joy’s mother, however, maintained that her son was physically assaulted and driven to ingest poison following the incident.

Dirai Police Station Officer-in-Charge Enamul Haque Chowdhury said police had visited the scene and that legal action would be taken if a formal complaint is lodged. Doctors at Dirai Health Complex confirmed that Joy was brought in a critical state and required urgent referral to Sylhet.

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Rising Attacks On Hindu Minorities

Joy Mahapatra’s death comes amid reports of a surge in violence against Hindu minorities in Bangladesh. Data from the Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council indicates that at least 51 incidents of violence against minorities were reported in December alone. In recent weeks, several killings have sparked outrage. On December 18, Hindu youth Dipu Chandra Das was lynched by a mob in Mymensingh over alleged blasphemy. Earlier this month, grocery shop owner Moni Chakraborty was murdered in Narsingdi district, triggering protests by local traders.

ALSO READ: India Flags 'Disturbing Pattern' In Attacks On Bangladeshi Hindus, Urges Dhaka To Act Firmly

India has expressed serious concern over what it described as a “disturbing pattern” of repeated attacks on Hindu minorities. Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said communal violence must not be mischaracterised as personal or political disputes, warning that such narratives embolden perpetrators. As Bangladesh prepares for national elections, the killing of Joy Mahapatra has intensified scrutiny on law and order, with renewed calls for swift justice and stronger protection for minority communities.


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