By Karmrath News Desk
Jessore, Bangladesh: A Hindu journalist and businessman was fatally shot on Monday evening in broad daylight in the Jessore district, intensifying concerns over a recent surge of targeted attacks against religious minorities in Bangladesh. Rana Pratap Bairagi, 38, a Hindu resident of Arua village in Keshabpur upazila, was gunned down near his ice manufacturing factory in Kopalia Bazar, Monirampur, by unidentified assailants, police said. Bairagi also served as the acting editor of the local newspaper Dainik BD Khabar, published from Narail.
Local law enforcement officials reported that around 5:45 pm, three attackers riding a motorcycle called Bairagi out of his workplace, took him to a nearby alley and shot him multiple times in the head before fleeing the scene. He was declared dead at the spot. Authorities have not yet determined a motive for the killing and are investigating the case.
The killing has sparked alarm among civil society groups and rights advocates, coming at a time when violence against the Hindu minority appears to be escalating. Within the past three weeks, multiple violent incidents targeting Hindu community members have been reported across the country, contributing to a climate of fear among minorities.
According to media reports, this attack follows the murder of other Hindu individuals in recent weeks, including grocery shop owner Sarat Mani Chakraborty, who was fatally attacked in Narsingdi district, bringing the death toll of Hindus in similar incidents to at least six over the last 18 days.
Bangladesh has seen a spate of violence against religious minorities in recent months, including fatal assaults and mob attacks, amid broader political tensions ahead of national elections and ongoing unrest. While authorities have acknowledged the rise in crimes, government officials have so far not publicly confirmed whether communal motives are linked to these killings.
The death of Bairagi has renewed calls from minority rights groups and international observers for stronger protection measures and accountability to ensure safety for vulnerable communities across Bangladesh.