Bangladesh: Hindu Man Dies After Jumping Into Water to Escape Mob Amid Rising Attacks

Naogaon, Bangladesh | 7 January 2026 A Hindu man in Bangladesh died after jumping into a water body while fleeing from a mob that was reportedly chasing him over theft allegations, authorities said on Wednesday. The incident occurred in Naogaon and the victim has been identified as Mithun Sarkar, according to Police Superintendent Mohammad Tariqul Islam. “He was chased by a mob accusing him of theft. He jumped into the water and died immediately after. The police were informed and recovered his body with the help of the fire service. A post-mortem is underway and the incident is under investigation,” said Mohammad Tariqul Islam. This incident is part of a troubling wave of attacks targeting Hindus in Bangladesh, which has escalated since the death of student leader Sharif Osman Hadi in December 2025. Earlier reports include the lynching of Dipu Chandra Das on 18 December, who was tied to a tree and set on fire over false blasphemy allegations. In recent weeks, other Hindu businessmen have also been attacked. On Monday night, Moni Chakraborty, a 40-year-old grocery shop owner in Charsindhur Bazar, Palash Upazila, was killed with a locally-made sharp weapon while returning home. Similarly, Rana Pratap Bairagi, a 38-year-old Hindu businessman and acting newspaper editor from Jessore’s Kapalia Bazaar, was fatally shot in the head the same evening. Other attacks in late December and early January include the brutal killing of Khokon Chandra Das and the lynching of Amrit Mondal over alleged extortion. Authorities and local residents have expressed concern over the escalating violence, highlighting growing communal tensions in the region. Investigations are ongoing for all recent incidents, while communities remain on edge. Bangladesh: Hindu Man Dies After Jumping Into Water to Escape Mob Amid Rising Attacks A Hindu man in Bangladesh died after jumping into a water body while fleeing from a mob that was reportedly chasing him over theft allegations, police said on Wednesday. The victim, identified as Mithun Sarkar, was pursued by locals before jumping into the water, authorities confirmed. “He was chased by a mob accusing him of theft. He jumped into the water and died immediately. The police recovered his body with the fire service’s help. A post-mortem is underway, and the case is being investigated,” said Naogaon Police Superintendent Mohammad Tariqul Islam. This tragic incident comes amid a series of attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh following the death of student leader Sharif Osman Hadi in December 2025. The unrest began with the lynching of Dipu Chandra Das on 18 December, who was tied to a tree and set on fire after false blasphemy allegations. The violence has continued to target Hindu businessmen and community members. On Monday night, Moni Chakraborty, a 40-year-old grocery shop owner in Charsindhur Bazar, Palash Upazila, was fatally attacked with a sharp weapon while returning home. Hours earlier, Rana Pratap Bairagi, a 38-year-old Hindu businessman and acting newspaper editor from Jessore’s Kapalia Bazaar, was shot in the head by unidentified attackers. Earlier incidents include the brutal killing of Khokon Chandra Das on 3 January and the lynching of Amrit Mondal in Rajbari’s Pangsha Upazila on 24 December, reportedly over extortion allegations. Local authorities and community members have expressed growing concern over the escalating violence. Police continue to investigate all recent attacks, while residents remain wary amid rising communal tensions. The repeated targeting of Hindu individuals has heightened fears and drawn attention to the urgent need for stronger law enforcement and community protection in affected areas.