Dhaka/Rajbari:
A Hindu youth was killed again in Bangladesh, triggering widespread concern. Ripon Saha (30), an attendant at a petrol pump in Sadar Upazila of Rajbari district, was run over by a car and killed in the early hours of Friday.
According to Bangladesh Police, the incident occurred after Ripon Saha stopped a vehicle whose occupants had taken fuel from the petrol pump and attempted to leave without paying. Police said the car, driven by Kamal Hossain, did not stop and instead rammed into Ripon Saha before fleeing the scene. The victim sustained severe injuries and died on the spot.
Police have arrested Abdul Hashim, a former local leader of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), and the driver Kamal Hossain in connection with the incident. The vehicle used in the crime has also been seized.
Speaking to the media, the Rajbari District Superintendent of Police said:
“This is a deliberate act of murder. The victim was run over in retaliation for questioning the accused after they tried to leave without paying for fuel. Political connections or influence will not affect the investigation.”
Police have registered a murder case and stated that all angles, including the possible involvement of others, are being thoroughly investigated.
Protests Intensify
The killing of Ripon Saha has sparked strong protests among the Hindu community in Bangladesh. Demonstrations were held in Rajbari and nearby areas, with protesters demanding security for minorities and exemplary punishment for the accused.
Some leading Dhaka-based media outlets reported that the killing, which occurred in a public place, has once again raised serious questions about the safety of religious minorities in the country.
Senior police officials said the crime is being treated with utmost seriousness and assured that all those responsible would be brought to justice, irrespective of their identity or affiliations.
Meanwhile, allegations have been raised that despite repeated attacks on minorities, including Hindus, the Islamist-led ruling establishment has failed to take effective action. It has also been noted that opposition parties, including the Trinamool Congress, have not issued any statements condemning the alleged targeting of Bengali-origin minorities.
The government and law enforcement agencies have assured that justice will be ensured for Ripon Saha’s family.
