A 62-year-old Hindu businessman was found stabbed to death in his shop in Mymensingh, Bangladesh, late on Monday, February 9th, just days before the country's general election scheduled for February 12th. The incident has intensified fears for the safety of minority communities ahead of the polls, amid reports of rising targeted violence.
Details of the Incident
Sushen Chandra Sarkar, a rice trader, was attacked with a sharp weapon inside his shop at Bogar Bazar intersection in Trishal Upazila, Mymensingh. The incident reportedly occurred around 11:00 PM on Monday. Unidentified assailants stabbed Sarkar and subsequently closed the shop shutters before fleeing the scene. His family discovered him covered in blood when they opened the shutters while searching for him.
Victim: Sushen Chandra Sarkar, 62, a Hindu rice trader.
Location: His shop at Bogar Bazar intersection, Trishal Upazila, Mymensingh, Bangladesh.
Time: Approximately 11:00 PM, Monday, February 9th.
Method: Stabbed with a sharp weapon.
Circumstances: Attackers closed shop shutters and fled; family found the victim.
Context: Occurred just days before the general election on February 12th.
Escalating Concerns for Minorities
The murder of Sushen Chandra Sarkar comes at a time when concerns over the safety of religious and ethnic minorities in Bangladesh are reportedly growing. Reports suggest a pattern of targeted attacks against the Hindu population in the country, particularly in the period leading up to national elections.
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The Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council has condemned the murder, calling it a "brutal act that threatens communal harmony."
Previous incidents cited include the public lynching of Dipu Chandra Das, a Hindu garment worker, in Mymensingh on December 18th.
Another Hindu businessman, Liton Chandra Ghosh (55), was reportedly stabbed and set on fire in a separate incident.
Evidence and Police Account
Police officials have confirmed the attack and the discovery of the victim. Muhammad Firoz Hossain, the Officer-in-Charge of Trishal Police Station, provided details to news outlets.
"The assailants attacked Sarkar with a sharp weapon, and left him inside the shop, closing the shutters. His family later discovered him covered in blood when they opened the shutters of the shop while searching for him." - Muhammad Firoz Hossain (OC, Trishal Police Station)
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Some reports also suggest that money may have been stolen from the shop following the murder. Sujan Sarkar, the victim's son, stated that "murderers stole money from the shop after killing his father."
Suspects and Motives
At present, the assailants remain unidentified. While the timing of the attack, days before a national election, and the victim's religious identity have led to concerns of targeted violence, no definitive motive has been officially stated.
Was this a targeted attack related to communal tensions or political developments?
Did the assailants have any political or extremist affiliations?
Is there any evidence linking this incident to other recent attacks on minorities?
Wider Context of Minority Safety
Reports indicate a deteriorating security situation for minorities in Bangladesh, with allegations of weak accountability and slow investigations into previous incidents. The upcoming general election has heightened scrutiny of these issues.
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The election is scheduled for February 12th, with the incumbent Awami League government led by Sheikh Hasina facing the polls.
Concerns have been raised about the fairness of the electoral process and the protection of all citizens.
Neighboring Incidents
Recent events in the Mymensingh region highlight the prevailing tensions:
| Incident Details | Date (approx.) | Victim's Identity | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sushen Chandra Sarkar stabbing | Feb 9, 2026 | Hindu Businessman | Deceased |
| Fuel worker crushed to death | Recently | N/A | Deceased |
| Dipu Chandra Das lynching | Dec 18, 2025 | Hindu Garment Worker | Deceased |
| Liton Chandra Ghosh stabbing and burning | Recent (details vary) | Hindu Businessman | Deceased after several days of treatment |
Expert Perspectives
While direct quotes from external experts are not available in the provided data, the reporting consistently points to increased alarm among minority organizations and observers regarding the safety of Hindus in Bangladesh. The timing of the attack close to elections has amplified these concerns.
Conclusion and Next Steps
The stabbing death of Sushen Chandra Sarkar represents a significant event that has renewed fears for the safety of minority communities in Bangladesh, particularly in the lead-up to the general election.
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Immediate Focus: Law enforcement agencies are investigating the murder. The recovery of stolen money, if confirmed, may provide further leads.
Broader Implications: The incident underscores the need for comprehensive measures to ensure the safety and security of all citizens, irrespective of their religious or ethnic background.
Election Impact: The heightened security concerns could influence the political discourse and the conduct of the upcoming elections.
The investigation into this homicide is ongoing. Further details regarding the motive and the identity of the perpetrators are pending.
Sources:
Livemint: Hindu businessman in Bangladesh stabbed to death just days before election; family found him covered in blood
Context: Reports on the incident, quoting police and a minority rights group.
Link: https://www.livemint.com/news/world/hindu-businessman-in-bangladesh-stabbed-to-death-just-days-before-election-family-found-him-covered-in-blood-11770721442852.html
ABPLive: Hindu Businessman Killed In Bangladesh’s Mymensingh Days Before Polls
Context: Details the murder and its impact on the local community, referencing police statements.
Link: https://news.abplive.com/news/world/bangladesh-hindu-businessman-killed-in-mymensingh-days-before-polls-1826401
Zeenews: Hindu businessman stabbed to death in Bangladesh, two days before general election
Context: Provides victim's details and accounts from the local police chief.
Link: https://zeenews.india.com/world/hindu-businessman-stabbed-to-death-in-bangladesh-two-days-before-general-election-3015590.html
The Week: Another Hindu businessman stabbed to death in Bangladesh days before national polls
Context: Reports the incident and links it to a pattern of violence against minorities, mentioning a previous case.
Link: https://www.theweek.in/news/world/2026/02/10/another-bangladesh-hindu-businessman-stabbed-to-death-days-before-national-polls.html
Hindustan Times: Hindu trader stabbed to death in Bangladesh, Mymensingh hours before polls
Context: Focuses on the timing of the murder relative to the election and family's discovery.
Link: https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/hindu-trader-stabbed-to-death-in-bangladesh-mymensingh-hours-before-polls-101770721144214.html
Firstpost: Bangladesh: Targeted violence continues ahead of national election, rice trader stabbed to death
Context: Frames the incident within a context of ongoing targeted violence against minorities ahead of the election.
Link: https://www.firstpost.com/world/bangladesh-targeted-violence-continues-ahead-of-national-election-rice-trader-stabbed-to-death-13978238.html
Moneycontrol: Hindu businessman stabbed to death in Bangladesh two days ahead of elections, sparking fears for minority safety
Context: Highlights the heightened fears for minority safety and reports on broader concerns about weak accountability.
Link: https://www.moneycontrol.com/world/hindu-businessman-stabbed-to-death-in-bangladesh-two-days-ahead-of-elections-sparking-fears-for-minority-safety-article-13821898.html
News18: Hindu Trader Stabbed To Death Inside His Shop In Bangladesh Ahead Of Polls
Context: Reports on the incident and the rising concerns over minority conditions ahead of elections.
Link: https://www.news18.com/world/hindu-trader-stabbed-to-death-inside-his-shop-in-bangladesh-ahead-of-polls-ws-l-9892359.html
NDTV: Hindu Businessman Hacked To Death In Bangladesh, 3 Days Before Polls
Context: Confirms the victim's identity, occupation, and location, and mentions a previous similar incident in the same district. It also includes the son's statement about potential theft.
Link: https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/hindu-businessman-hacked-to-death-in-bangladesh-3-days-before-polls-10981404
Odishabytes: Hindu Businessman Stabbed To Death In Bangladesh Barely 48-Hours Ahead Of General Elections In The Country
Context: Emphasizes the timing of the murder relative to the election and mentions international concerns.
Link: https://odishabytes.com/hindu-businessman-stabbed-to-death-in-bangladesh-barely-48-hours-ahead-of-general-elections-in-the-country/
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