By HRCBM Bangladesh News Desk
Dinajpur, Bangladesh – April 20, 2025 — The Human Rights Congress for Bangladesh Minorities (HRCBM) expresses deep sorrow and condemnation over the brutal abduction and murder of Bhabesh Chandra Roy, a respected Hindu community leader in Bangladesh. This incident underscores the escalating violence and systemic persecution faced by minority communities in the country, which has intensified significantly since the recent political turmoil and leadership changes. Bhabesh Chandra Roy was widely known for his tireless advocacy for minority rights, communal harmony, and active engagement in socio-religious community activities, making him a significant figure not only in his local community but also across Dinajpur district and beyond.
Roy consistently worked to strengthen interfaith dialogue, promote cultural heritage, and support vulnerable families within minority communities. His leadership in organizing community festivals, cultural events, and charitable initiatives earned him immense respect and admiration. The targeted nature of his killing sends a chilling message to minority leaders and underscores the dangerous environment that persists for religious minorities in Bangladesh, highlighting the urgent need for protective measures and accountability from state authorities.
Abduction and Murder
On the afternoon of April 17, 2025, Bhabesh Chandra Roy, 58, was at his residence in Basudebpur village, Dinajpur district, when he received a phone call around 4:30 PM. Approximately 30 minutes later, four men arrived on two motorcycles and forcibly abducted him. Eyewitnesses reported that he was taken to Narabari village, where he was brutally assaulted. Later that evening, the assailants returned Roy, unconscious, to his home in a van. Despite immediate medical attention, he was declared dead upon arrival at Dinajpur Medical College Hospital.
What makes this case particularly distressing is that Roy’s son, Swapan Chandra Roy, had already filed a written complaint with Biral Police Station, Dinajpur, just before the incident. In his formal declaration, supported by HRCBM, Swapan described how his father had earlier borrowed 25,000 BDT from accused Md. Atiqur Islam and was subsequently forced to pay a monthly interest of 3,250 BDT to a group of individuals: Md. Atiqur Islam (40), Md. Ratan Islam (30), Md. Munna Islam (30), Md. Arif (32), and Md. Rubel (31), all residents of Dinajpur district.
Swapan narrated that on the afternoon of April 17, accused Atiqur and Ratan arrived at their house and lured Bhabesh Roy outside, claiming to want a conversation. Later that evening, Swapan received a call from Ratan informing him that his father had fallen ill near Narabari Bazar. Due to poor mobile connectivity, this message was repeated via another number. The accused then abandoned Bhabesh Roy’s unconscious body at Phulbari Bazar and fled the scene. Upon receiving a call from his mother, Swapan hired an ambulance and, along with family members, rushed his father to Dinajpur Medical College Hospital, where doctors declared him dead. The post mortem was conducted that night, and the body was handed over to the family around 9:38 PM.
In his sworn statement, Swapan Chandra Roy affirmed his firm belief that the accused had intentionally murdered his father in a pre-planned and coordinated manner, driven by ulterior motives. He added that the delay in filing the formal case was due to the funeral and necessary rites following the tragic death.
Despite the clarity and urgency of the declaration, no preventive action was taken by the authorities, and within hours of raising these concerns, Bhabesh Roy met the fate his son had feared.
Immediate HRCBM Response
HRCBM’s Dinajpur Human Rights Observer and District Coordinator, Dhananjay Kumar Mahanta, visited the family immediately following the abduction and murder. Our team arranged for the post mortem and assisted in registering the case with local authorities.
Advocate Anil Chandro Roy, HRCBM’s legal representative who provides pro bono service to victims, accompanied Mr. Mahanta to investigate the incident and meet with the family. Advocate Anil will now undertake the legal discourse and file relevant cases on behalf of HRCBM for the victim’s family.
Community and International Reactions
Roy served as the vice-president of the Biral unit of the Bangladesh Puja Udjapan Parishad and was a prominent figure in the local Hindu community. His murder has sparked outrage and fear among minority communities across Bangladesh. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs condemned the killing, describing it as part of a “pattern of systematic persecution” of Hindu minorities in Bangladesh.
Political leaders in India have also voiced their concerns. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge criticized the Indian government’s diplomatic efforts, stating that the murder indicates a failure to protect minority rights in Bangladesh.
Ongoing Violence Against Minorities
This incident is not isolated. According to reports, between November 2024 and January 2025, there have been 76 incidents of anti-Hindu violence in Bangladesh, resulting in 23 deaths and the desecration of 152 temples. The interim government, led by Muhammad Yunus, has been criticized for its inaction and failure to protect minority communities.
HRCBM's Call to Action
HRCBM urges the Bangladeshi government to:
Conduct a thorough and impartial investigation into Roy’s murder and bring the perpetrators to justice.
Implement measures to protect minority communities and prevent further violence.
Uphold the constitutional rights of all citizens, ensuring equality and non-discrimination.
Engage with international human rights organizations to address systemic issues affecting minorities.
We also call upon the international community to monitor the situation closely and support efforts to safeguard human rights in Bangladesh.
