Violence Erupts in Bangladesh: Hindu Homes Attacked Following Muslim Leader's Murder

In Bangladesh, a series of violent incidents have erupted following the murder of a Muslim spiritual leader, leading to attacks on Hindu homes and businesses. The unrest began in Rangpur, where a mob targeted the Hindu community after the death of a local youth. Authorities are investigating the motives behind these attacks, which have raised alarms about rising communal tensions in the region. In a separate incident, another spiritual leader was killed in Kushtia, further escalating fears of violence. This situation highlights the ongoing struggles between different religious communities in Bangladesh.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 11, 2026, 22:53 IST

Violent Incidents in Bangladesh Spark Outrage

Dhaka: A tragic incident unfolded in Bangladesh as a Muslim spiritual leader was brutally murdered, allegedly for insulting Islam. This led to violent mob attacks on Hindu-owned properties in both Kushtia and Rangpur on Saturday.

In Rangpur, approximately 300 kilometers northwest of Dhaka, a mob targeted Hindu homes and businesses in the early hours, incited by the death of a local Muslim youth. Police suggested that a 'third party' instigated the vandalism to distract from the murder investigation of Rakib Hassan.

According to reports, over a hundred Hindus reside in the Daspara market area, where Hassan was killed, allegedly by drug dealer Mohammad Momin due to a prior dispute. Momin's residence was found abandoned as he fled, fearing retaliation.

Despite the chaos, Hassan's family insisted that the Hindu community was not involved in his death. His mother, Nur Jahan Begum, expressed, "We have no issues with them (Hindus)."

Rangpur's police commissioner, Mohammad Majid Ali, confirmed they are pursuing the actual perpetrators of both the murder and the vandalism.

The Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council reported 133 instances of communal violence from January to March this year.

In a separate incident, a school teacher and spiritual leader, Shamim Reza Jahangir, was killed in Kushtia, about 200 kilometers west of Dhaka. His followers were also attacked, and his sanctuary was set ablaze amid accusations of insulting Islam.

Officer-in-charge of Daulatpur police station, Arifur Rahman, stated that Jahangir's body has been sent for an autopsy. Armed police and the Rapid Action Battalion were deployed to prevent further unrest.

Local journalists recalled that Jahangir had previously been arrested in May 2021 due to allegations from hard-line Islamists regarding his activities, but he was released shortly after.