Bangladesh: Hindu Youth Shot Dead, Fifth Minority Attack in Weeks Amid Election Tensions

• Rana Pratap Bairagi, a Hindu youth, was shot dead by unknown assailants in Monirampur Upazila, Jessore district, Bangladesh.
• This marks the fifth violent incident against minorities in Bangladesh in less than three weeks, raising concerns ahead of crucial elections.
• Bairagi was an acting editor for Narail-based Daily BD Khabor and also involved in an ice factory business.
• Previous attacks include the murder of Hindu businessman Khokan Das (set on fire) and the lynching of Hindu worker Dipu Chandra Das (hung, set on fire on false allegations).
• Other incidents involve a gang rape of a Hindu woman and threats to a Hindu officer, sparking widespread discussion before the February 12 general elections.

Why It Matters: Escalating violence against minorities, including a recent Hindu youth's murder, raises serious concerns in Bangladesh ahead of elections.