Mymensingh, Bangladesh— The streets of Mymensingh witnessed a chilling act of violence that has sent shockwaves through the journalistic community in Bangladesh and beyond. Swapan Kumar Bhadra, a 65-year-old journalist and vice-president of the Tarakanda Press Club, was hacked to death in broad daylight in front of his home. Known for his fearless reporting on terrorism, drug trafficking, and injustices against minorities, Swapan’s brutal murder raises serious concerns about the culture of impunity in Bangladesh, particularly when it comes to crimes against minority communities.
Swapan, a member of the Hindu minority, was targeted in the Tanpara area of Majhipara in Shambhuganj at around 11:00 AM. Eyewitnesses recount a scene of horror as Swapan, sitting peacefully outside his home, was viciously attacked. The assailant severed his left hand and inflicted multiple fatal cuts on his body. Local residents who heard his wife’s screams rushed to his aid, but by the time Swapan was transported to Mymensingh Medical College Hospital, he had succumbed to his injuries.
A Journalist Silenced, but Why?
While initial reports suggest that the attacker, 18-year-old Sagar Mia, is a known local criminal with a history of violence, many questions remain unanswered. Some news outlets have reported that Swapan’s relentless stand against drug trafficking and crime in the area made him a target. But was that the only reason? Swapan’s family and some witnesses have raised suspicions of a deeper conspiracy, pointing to his outspoken defense of minority rights and his continuous reporting on social media.
Swapan’s nephew, Manik Sarker, shared that his uncle had been writing against narcotics and other forms of local corruption, making powerful enemies along the way. But according to some eyewitnesses, cadres of a fundamentalist group may have been involved in the attack, adding weight to the theory that Swapan was murdered not only for his reporting on crime but for his advocacy for minority communities, particularly Hindus, who have long faced persecution in Bangladesh.
“Was my father-in-law’s life worth so little? Did he deserve to be hacked to death for standing up against injustice?” Swapan’s daughter-in-law said in a video shared widely on social media, her words resonating with the pain of countless minority families in Bangladesh who have been similarly targeted. “He never hurt anyone. He only spoke the truth.”
Culture of Impunity: The Dangerous Reality for Minorities in Bangladesh
The murder of Swapan Kumar Bhadra is not an isolated incident but part of a disturbing pattern in Bangladesh where minority communities, particularly Hindus, have faced increasing violence and persecution. Journalists from minority groups, especially those who dare to speak out against injustice, are particularly vulnerable. Swapan’s brutal death underscores the perilous environment that minority journalists face, where speaking the truth often means paying the ultimate price.
Human rights groups have repeatedly warned of the government’s failure to protect its minority citizens, fostering a culture of impunity. Crimes against minorities are frequently overlooked or dismissed, and perpetrators, especially those with political or fundamentalist affiliations, often escape justice. The Bangladeshi government’s inaction has allowed these crimes to continue unchecked, and Swapan’s murder is yet another tragic reminder of this growing impunity.
A Call for Global Action: Justice for Swapan Bhadra
Swapan Kumar Bhadra was more than a journalist. He was a voice for the voiceless, a defender of truth, and a champion of justice for the oppressed. His death is a call to action for journalists, human rights defenders, and governments around the world. The international community must not stand by as yet another voice of truth is silenced in Bangladesh. The case of Swapan Bhadra must not be added to the long list of unresolved murders of journalists and minorities.
The silence surrounding the brutal murder of a journalist from the Hindu minority in Bangladesh highlights a dangerous trend of ignoring crimes against minorities. Journalists worldwide must unite in demanding justice for Swapan and calling for an end to the culture of impunity that has plagued Bangladesh for far too long.
If Bangladesh is to truly honor its commitments to human rights, the government must ensure that the perpetrators of Swapan’s murder are brought to justice swiftly and transparently. This is not just a fight for Swapan’s family, but a fight for freedom of expression, minority rights, and the rule of law.
The world is watching. Will justice be served?
Conclusion: As the details of this horrific crime continue to unfold, Swapan’s story is a reminder of the dangerous realities facing minority communities and journalists in Bangladesh. His murder is a loss not only for his family and community but for the ideals of free speech and human rights that he dedicated his life to defending.
Now, more than ever, it is critical that global journalists, activists, and international organizations raise their voices in solidarity, demanding accountability and an end to the violence against journalists and minority communities in Bangladesh. The world must not forget the name Swapan Kumar Bhadra.
4 Comments
Dhananjay
It’s tragic and must be condemned by all civic societies around the world. However the perpetrators being determined to eliminate rule of law and resort to ruthless killing there is no other way to stop them than catch or eliminate such forces by equivalent force. No sermons of peace and appeasement is going to ease the situation. Therefore Bangladesh minorities have no choice but to form Bangala minorities MUKTI VAHINI as they did in 1971. Also neighbouring country like INDIA who is capable of protecting Hindus must take a fair humanitarian stand and do what is necessary militarily. In fact this will be in its own interest as well. What was gained by Indira Gandhi in 1971 has been now lost by this Govt! Bravo!
Ramarao
This muslim community is the reason for the atrocities, terrorist activities, religious wars across world . This community should be removed from the world for betterment and safety of world. Entire world should support Israel to eradicate this religion from roots.
nava thakuria
Hindu Bangladeshi journalist murdered, global watchdog demands justice
Guwahati: Bangladesh continues to report murder of journalists in recent days and lately a senior Hindu journalist was hacked to death by three Muslim youths. Swapan Kumar Bhadra (65), who worked for Bengali newspapers namely Dainik Swajan, Ajker Khabar and Khabar Patra, was targeted by those criminals in front of his residence at Majhipara in Mymensingh locality of the south Asian nation on 12 October 2024.
Bhadra was currently not writing for any newspaper, but he remained active on social media where the former vice-president of Tarakanda Press Club highlighted various pertinent issues like terrorism, drug-menace and anti-social activities. The local police have already arrested a youth named Sagar Miyan and continued the search for two others. The outspoken media person has left behind his wife, two sons and a daughter along with many relatives and well wishers.
Expressing serious concern over the murder of another journalist in Bangladesh, the Geneva-based global media safety and rights body Press Emblem Campaign (PEC) urged the authorities in Dhaka to punish the culprits and adequately compensate the victim families. PEC president Blaise Lempen said that the populous country added another journalist to the list of global journo-victims which has already reached 110 this year. “We condemn the incident and urge the interim government head Prof Muhammad Yunus to take personal interest in delivering justice to the bereaved family as early as possible,” added Lempen.
PEC’s south Asia representative Nava Thakuria informed that the Muslim majority nation recently lost six media persons namely Hasan Mehedi, Shakil Hossain, Abu Taher Md Turab, Tahir Zaman Priyo, Pradip Kumar Bhowmik and Tanjil Jahan Islam Tamim to assailants. Another south Asian nation Pakistan lost ten scribes namely Nisar Lehri, Muhammad Bachal Ghunio, Malik Hassan Zaib, Khalil Afridi Jibran, Nasrullah Gadani, Kamran Dawar, Mehar Ashfaq Siyal, Maulana Mohammad Siddique Mengal, Jam Saghir Ahmad Lar and Tahira Nosheen Rana to assailants since 1 January.
Ramen Nandi
America should be held responsible for whatever are happening in Bangladesh now and this is not the first time. Imagine what would have happened if Congress party was in power in India today.