World News
Bangladesh: Hindu Shop Owner Beaten to Death After Dispute Over Bananas in Gazipur
A Hindu businessman was allegedly beaten to death in Bangladesh’s Gazipur district following a dispute over bananas, with police detaining three members of a family in connection with the incident, local media reported on Sunday.
A Hindu businessman was allegedly beaten to death in Bangladesh’s Gazipur district following a dispute over bananas, with police detaining three members of a family in connection with the incident, local media reported on Sunday.
The victim, Liton Chandra Ghosh (55), owned Baishakhi Sweetmeat and Hotel in the Kaliganj area of Gazipur. According to The Daily Star, Kaliganj police station officer-in-charge Zakir Hossain said the detainees were identified as Swapan Mia (55), his wife Majeda Khatun (45) and their son Masum Mia (28).
Police said Masum owned a nearby banana plantation and had reported that a bunch of bananas was missing. While searching for it, he allegedly spotted the bananas at Ghosh’s hotel, triggering an argument that soon turned violent.
“The accused punched and kicked Ghosh, causing him to fall to the ground. He died on the spot,” police said, adding that legal proceedings have been initiated.
Family members of the deceased told police that Masum had first arrived at the hotel around 11 am and argued with an employee over a minor issue. The situation escalated when his parents later joined him, leading to a physical altercation.
The body has been sent for post-mortem examination, and further investigation is underway.
The killing has come amid growing concerns over the safety of religious minorities in Bangladesh. A recent report by the Rights & Risks Analysis Group (RRAG) claimed that at least 15 Hindus have been killed across the country over the past 45 days, ahead of the general elections.
Bangladesh authorities, however, have said incidents of violence are being thoroughly investigated and have rejected claims that minorities are being deliberately targeted.
