Fresh incidents of mob violence have been reported in Bangladesh, where shops and houses belonging to Hindus have come under attack in two separate incidents in Rangpur and Kushtia.
In one case, a Muslim youth was killed by another Muslim over a drug related dispute in a Hindu dominated locality. However, instead of targeting the accused, an Islamist mob vandalised homes and shops of Hindu families. In another incident, a Muslim spiritual leader was lynched over allegations of blasphemy. In that case too, Hindu properties were targeted.
Muslim killed Muslim over drugs, Hindus become target
Rangpur is around 300 kilometres northwest of Dhaka. A Muslim youth, identified as Rakib Hasan, was hacked to death by Mohammad Momin, a suspected drug trafficker, following an old dispute. The incident took place near Daspara Bazaar, which is a Hindu dominated locality. Around 100 Hindu families live there and run most shops.
Despite the fact that the victim and accused in the case were Muslims and the crime was linked to drugs, a mob of 40-60 armed youths later attacked Hindu homes and businesses. At least 20 shops were damaged and gates, windows and tin structures of several houses were broken. According to media reports, the attackers also abused Hindu residents and attempted to target a temple donation box.
Police claimed that a "third party" vandalised shops and homes in an attempt to divert the investigation. The victim's family also ruled out involvement of Hindus in the incident. Rakib Hasan's mother, Noor Jahan Begum, told local reporters that the family had no dispute with Hindus and the murder stemmed from personal conflict.
Speaking to media, Rangpur police commissioner Mohammad Majid Ali said authorities were identifying both the killers and those involved in vandalism. CCTV footage from the area was collected and multiple cases were registered.
Residents allege police inaction during attacks
Local Hindu residents stated that armed groups were moving in the area for hours before the attack. However, no preventive action was taken. Shops remained shut after the attack.
According to witnesses, electricity was cut during the attack and the mob reportedly used sticks and crude weapons to damage properties. Women residents stated that attackers hurled abusive language and threatened families.
Hindu establishments attacked in Kushtia
In a separate incident in Kushtia, which is located around 200 kilometres west of Dhaka, a mob killed school teacher and Muslim spiritual leader Shamim Reza Jahangir after accusing him of insulting Islam. At least seven of his followers were seriously injured. His religious gathering site was reportedly set ablaze.
According to the police, local mobsters carried out the murder. The body was sent for postmortem to Kushtia General Hospital. Additional police force and Rapid Action Battalion units were deployed to avoid any further escalation.
However, in the aftermath of the incident, several Hindu homes and establishments were targeted by the mobsters.