A Heinous Crime in Barisal: Despite the formation of a new democratic government, the safety of minorities, especially Hindus, remains precarious in Bangladesh. In a shocking incident in the Chandapur sub-district of Barisal, a disabled Hindu woman was abducted and gang-raped by three individuals. The victim was returning from a religious gathering (Bhajan) around 9 PM on Sunday when the culprits—identified as Rakib, Sohail, and Russell—forcibly took her to an isolated location and committed the assault, leaving her severely injured and unconscious.
Lack of Police Action and Local Outrage: The victim was discovered by locals on Monday morning and rushed to Bhola Sadar Hospital, where she is currently undergoing treatment for serious injuries. Although the victim clearly identified her attackers, local authorities have reportedly failed to take any immediate action or make arrests. This negligence has sparked intense fury among the local community, Hindu organizations, and human rights activists, who have launched protests demanding justice and the immediate apprehension of the perpetrators.
A Growing Pattern of Violence: Since the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government, there has been a disturbing surge in targeted violence against Hindus, including murders, sexual assaults, and the destruction of property. Previous incidents, such as the brutal killing of a man over blasphemy allegations and the public humiliation of a widow in January, have drawn sharp condemnation from India. While New Delhi has repeatedly urged the Bangladeshi government to ensure the security of its minorities, the cycle of violence continues unabated, leaving the local Hindu population in a state of constant fear.
