Days Before Bangladesh Elections, Another Hindu Businessman Killed, Fears Rise Over Minority Safety

Bangladesh’s election countdown has been jolted by a chilling crime. Hindu businessman Susen Chandra Sarkar was stabbed to death inside his shop in Mymensingh just days before voting day. The killing has reignited fears over the safety of religious minorities amid political uncertainty. Since Sheikh Hasina’s ouster in 2024, attacks on Hindu communities have increased, with reports of targeted violence, intimidation and property seizures. International watchdogs have flagged a steady deterioration in minority protection, while India has repeatedly called on Dhaka to curb communal attacks. As Bangladesh heads to the ballot box, voters hope elections will restore order and accountability. But for many minorities, the question remains whether the promise of democracy can hold meaning without security, justice and equal protection under the law.