Hindu Trader Killed in Bangladesh Ahead of National Elections, Probe Underway

A Hindu trader was stabbed to death in Bangladesh’s Mymensingh district just hours before the country went to the polls, triggering concern over security and the safety of minority communities during the tense pre-election period. The killing has shocked local residents and prompted police to launch an investigation to identify those responsible.

The victim, a 62-year-old rice trader, was attacked late at night inside his shop located in a busy market area of Trishal upazila. According to initial police accounts, unidentified assailants entered the shop, assaulted him with a sharp weapon and fled after pulling down the shutter. Family members later found him lying critically injured and rushed him to a nearby hospital, where doctors declared him dead.

Police officials said a murder case has been registered and multiple angles are being examined. Investigators are collecting evidence from the crime scene, questioning witnesses and reviewing possible motives, including robbery. The trader’s family has claimed that cash was missing from the shop, suggesting theft could have been a factor, though authorities have said it is too early to draw conclusions.

The killing occurred just hours before voting began in Bangladesh’s parliamentary elections, a period marked by heightened political tension and increased security deployment. While police have not confirmed any political or communal motive, the timing of the incident has raised anxiety among minority communities, particularly Hindus, who have expressed concerns about safety during politically sensitive periods.

Local residents described the victim as a well-known businessman who had operated his rice trade for many years without reported disputes. Community members said the incident has created an atmosphere of fear, with shopkeepers closing early and residents demanding stronger police presence in the area. Human rights groups and community leaders have urged the authorities to ensure a swift and transparent investigation, stressing the need for accountability and protection of vulnerable groups. They have also called for enhanced security measures to prevent further incidents during and after the elections.

Bangladesh police have said they are treating the case with priority and assured the public that efforts are underway to arrest the perpetrators. Additional patrols have reportedly been deployed in sensitive areas to maintain law and order. As the country votes amid a charged political climate, the killing has cast a shadow over the electoral process, highlighting ongoing concerns about public safety and communal harmony. The outcome of the investigation is expected to be closely watched, both domestically and internationally, as authorities seek to reassure citizens that justice will be delivered and security upheld.