By Sanjoy Kumar Barua
Police in Natore, northern Bangladesh, are investigating the brutal murder of Tarun Das, 45, a longtime caretaker of the district’s historic central cremation ground, amid growing allegations that Islamic militants were behind the crime.
The victim was found tied to a bench with severe injuries, and the temple was looted of priceless antique artifacts, leaving the Hindu community in shock and mourning.
Das, who had been residing at the cremation site for 25 years, was discovered early Saturday morning by security guards.
His death has prompted widespread concern over the safety of minority religious communities in the region.
Mahbubur Rahman, Officer-in-Charge of Natore Sadar Police Station, confirmed that Das’s hands, feet, and body were tightly bound to a bench.
“The victim showed signs of severe head trauma, and his death appears to have been premeditated,” Rahman said.
The perpetrators also ransacked the temple storeroom, stealing invaluable brass, copper, and bronze artifacts.
These items, some of which were over a century old, were integral to the spiritual and cultural life of the Hindu community.
Local residents, speaking on condition of anonymity, alleged that suspected Islamic militants might have orchestrated the attack.
“This was not just a robbery; it was a targeted assault on our faith and heritage,” one individual claimed.
The historic cremation ground, a spiritual and cultural hub for the Hindu community, has long been a symbol of resilience.
However, its lack of nighttime security left it vulnerable to such attacks.
“This murder and theft are deeply distressing for our community,” said Subal Das, president of the temple committee.
“The stolen artifacts carried immense cultural and spiritual value. Their loss, coupled with Tarun Das’s murder, is a devastating blow.”
The incident has sparked fears of a broader campaign against religious minorities in Bangladesh, particularly in light of recent violence targeting Hindu communities.
Bangladesh has witnessed an alarming rise in attacks against minority groups in recent months.
Between August 5 and October 22, authorities recorded 88 cases of violence targeting minorities, leading to the arrest of 70 individuals.
Investigations into additional cases in Sunamganj, Chittagong, Dhaka, and Narsingdi are ongoing.
Human rights organizations have linked the rise in such incidents to growing radicalization and political instability in the country.
While the government has dismissed allegations of systemic persecution as exaggerated, activists argue that the lack of accountability is emboldening extremist elements.
The Hindu community in Natore has expressed outrage over the incident, demanding justice for Tarun Das.
Minority group activists are calling for increased security at religious sites, particularly those of historical and cultural significance.
“This is not an isolated incident. It is part of a larger pattern of intimidation and violence against minorities in Bangladesh,” said Sushanta Paul, a local of the area.
Law enforcement has intensified efforts to identify and apprehend the culprits.
“We are exploring all angles, including the possibility of militant involvement,” said a top police official of the district seeking anonymity.
Continues attacks on Hindu community have drawn international attention, with Indian media highlighting the vulnerabilities of Bangladesh’s minority communities.
The Bangladesh government, however, has maintained that such reports are exaggerated and politically motivated.
Local Hindu leader Moni Lal Biswas said, this tragic incident underscores the urgent need for stronger measures to safeguard minority rights and address the underlying causes of religious and cultural violence in Bangladesh.
Source The Chittagong Hill Tracts
