A chilling incident has shaken Bangladesh, highlighting the growing tensions between Hindus and Islamists in the country. Utsav Mandol, a 15-year-old Hindu boy, was allegedly beaten to death by a mob inside a police station in Khulna City. The accusation against him? Making “objectionable comments” about Prophet Muhammad on social media. This tragic event has sparked widespread condemnation, with the Human Rights Congress for Bangladesh Minorities calling it a “hacking to death” by “Islamists.” They allege that Mandol was detained without forensic evidence and subjected to mob violence, even in the presence of army personnel. The organization further criticizes the lack of punishment for the perpetrators and accuses the Bangladeshi media of downplaying the incident.
This horrifying event adds to the growing concerns about the safety of Hindus in Bangladesh. While the country’s interim government, led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, has dismissed the attacks as “exaggerated” and politically motivated, many observers point to a pattern of violence against the Hindu minority. Yunus, in an interview, stated that India’s portrayal of the situation is misleading, arguing that Bangladesh is actively addressing the issue and would not become another Afghanistan. He further suggests that the attacks are a consequence of the political turmoil following the ouster of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who had enjoyed the support of the Hindu community. However, the recent surge in violence against Hindus, including vandalism of businesses and temples, raises serious questions about the security of the minority community and the government’s ability to protect them. It is crucial for Bangladesh to address these concerns seriously and ensure the safety of all its citizens, regardless of their religion.
