In a tragic incident that has raised alarms about the safety of minorities in Bangladesh, a 25-year-old Hindu man was burnt to death in Narsingdi on Friday night. The victim, identified as Chanchal Bhowmik, originally from Lakshmipur village in Cumilla, was sleeping inside a garage when the fire broke out, leading to his charred demise.
Details of the Incident
According to reports from Prothom Alo, the fire service arrived promptly at the scene, but by the time the flames were extinguished, Bhowmik's body was already severely burnt. The police have not yet confirmed whether this was a deliberate murder or a tragic accident, leaving the community in suspense.
Police Investigation and CCTV Footage
Initially, authorities suspected that a short circuit might have caused the fire. However, Sub-Inspector Md. Ishaq Mia from the Narsingdi Model Police Station, who collected Bhowmik's remains, revealed that CCTV footage showed an unknown man collecting paper and cloth covered in automobile lubricants from the area before setting it on fire in front of the garage. Police officials stated that efforts are underway to identify this individual, and further investigation will be conducted to uncover the truth behind this horrifying event.
Aftermath and Autopsy
Following the autopsy, the police handed over Bhowmik's body to his relatives yesterday evening, allowing the family to proceed with funeral rites amidst their grief. This incident has sparked concerns, especially as Bangladesh heads towards elections next month, highlighting ongoing issues of violence against minorities.
Context of Violence Against Minorities in Bangladesh
Bhowmik's death is not an isolated case. It follows a series of violent incidents, including the brutal lynching of Dipu Chandra Das in Bhaluka, Mymensingh district, during a wave of violence in December. This wave was triggered by the death of prominent student activist Hadi Osman, who had participated in movements to oust former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
The death of Das led to widespread protests and counter-protests in both India and Bangladesh, culminating in a diplomatic rift and the suspension of visa services in December. Last month, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs expressed grave concern, noting over 2,900 incidents of violence against minorities in Bangladesh during the tenure of the interim government led by Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus.
As investigations continue, this case underscores the urgent need for enhanced security measures and justice for minority communities in Bangladesh, with the upcoming polls adding to the political and social tensions in the region.
