Bangladesh remains on edge as another Hindu youth lynched over 'extortion' claim in Rajbari district
Bangladesh has reported another shocking case of mob lynching as a 29-year-old Hindu man was beaten to death in Rajbari district over alleged extortion. The incident follows a similar killing just days earlier and has sparked serious concerns about the rapid rise in mob violence.
A disturbing case of mob violence has once again emerged from Bangladesh, where a 29-year-old Hindu man was beaten to death by a violent group. As per reports, the incident took place on Wednesday (December 24) in the Pangsha area of Rajbari district and has intensified concerns over rising mob attacks in the country. The victim has been identified as Amrit Mandal, who was killed after locals accused him of demanding extortion.
Mob targets youth over extortion allegations
According to police, Mandal alias Samrat was assaulted late at night around 11 pm at the Hossaindanga Old Market in Pangsha upazila. Police confirmed that Mandal died shortly after the attack. Local residents allegedly accused Mandal of demanding extortion, which escalated into mob violence. Police records describe him as the leader of a small local group known as the Samrat Bahini.
Victim reportedly seen as a Hindu leader
As per reports, Amrit Mandal was widely regarded as a Hindu community leader in the region. Several reports claimed that he had at least two cases registered against him at Pangsha police station, including a murder case. The mob claimed he ran a criminal gang and justified the killing by accusing him of being involved in extortion and other unlawful activities. This incident came days after another Hindu youth, Deepu Chandra Das, was brutally lynched on December 18. In that case too, mobs had attempted to justify their actions with allegations later found to be questionable.
Rising concern over growing mob violence in Bangladesh
The back-to-back lynching of two Hindu youths has raised alarm over increasing mob brutality in Bangladesh. Rights groups and observers argue that mob violence has become a serious threat, especially when allegations are used to provoke communities and justify unlawful killings.
BNP leader Rahman returns home after 17 yrs in exile
Earlier in the day, Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) acting chairman Tarique Rahman returned to Dhaka to a rousing welcome by thousands of his supporters after over 17 years in self-exile -- a homecoming that is expected to energise the party ahead of the February 12 parliamentary elections. Shortly after landing at the Hazrat Shahjalal International airport, Rahman, the leading contender to be the country's next Prime Minister, stood barefoot on Bangladeshi soil in a symbolic gesture to mark his return to the country's politics. Hours later, the 60-year-old son of ailing former prime minister Khaleda Zia, addressing his supporters, gave a clarion call to maintain peace and stability in the country and presented a broad plan to build an "inclusive Bangladesh".
Bangladesh unrest
It is to be noted here that Bangladesh witnessed violent protests after the death of Sharif Osman bin Had. His killing has also triggered some fresh strain in India-Bangladesh ties. India on Tuesday sought a thorough probe into Hadi's death. India's call for a detailed probe into the case came as unsubstantiated allegations about an Indian hand in Hadi's death triggered anti-India sentiment in Bangladesh. The relations between India and Bangladesh came under strain after the interim government headed by Muhammad Yunus came to power following the collapse of the Hasina government. India has been expressing concerns over attacks on minorities, especially Hindus, in that country.
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