Another Hindu man set ablaze, killed in Bangladesh; family alleges pre-meditated killing
PTC News Desk: A 23-year-old Hindu man was burned alive inside a garage in Bangladesh’s Narsingdi district, leading to allegations of a deliberate killing and renewed concerns about the safety of religious minorities in the country.
The victim, Chanchal Chandra Bhoumik, had been employed at the garage for several years. Originally from Lakshmipur village in Cumilla district, he had moved to Narsingdi for work. He was the middle child in his family and their only earning member. The incident occurred near the Mosque Market area, close to the Narsingdi Police Lines. According to eyewitnesses and local residents, the attack took place late Friday night while Chanchal was asleep inside the garage. The assailants reportedly poured petrol on the shop’s shutter from outside and set it on fire, causing the flames to spread quickly throughout the premises.
A video of the incident shows an individual lighting the fire outside the garage, after which the blaze rapidly engulfed the shop. Local residents alerted the fire department, and a Narsingdi Fire Service team arrived at the scene. After nearly an hour of effort, they managed to extinguish the fire. Once the flames were put out, Chanchal’s burnt body was found inside the garage.
Witnesses said the victim remained trapped in the fire for an extended period and suffered a painful death. His family has described the incident as a “premeditated murder” and has called for the immediate arrest of those responsible, demanding the harshest possible punishment.
The killing has heightened tensions in the area and intensified fears regarding the security of minorities. Police officials stated that evidence has been collected from the site, CCTV footage is under review, and legal proceedings are in progress.
Local Hindu community leaders strongly denounced the brutal act and urged authorities to swiftly identify and apprehend the perpetrators. They also appealed to the administration to take concrete measures to protect minority communities in the region.
- With inputs from agencies
