Bangladesh’s minorities grapple with escalating terror as a 19-year-old Hindu, Joy Mahapatra, became the latest victim in Sunamganj’s Dirai area. Tortured over a 500-taka debt, he ingested poison and died despite medical efforts, fueling fears of systemic bias against Hindus.
Joy financed a 5,500-taka mobile from Amirul Islam’s store, fronting 2,000 taka and committing to 500-taka weekly dues. Regular payer though he was, a minor delay Thursday unleashed hell: physical assault, public shaming, and phone confiscation at the kirana shop.
Poisoned that very evening, Joy was rushed to Dirai Health Complex. As his health plummeted, he was airlifted—figuratively—to Sylhet MAG Osmani Hospital, only to pass away Friday. Clinic head Moni Rani Talukdar confirmed the handover amid crisis.
Cousin Ayan Das and mother Shaili detailed the abuse to reporters: morning demands unmet led to evening brutality. ‘They humiliated him, beat him senseless, and he ended it all there,’ Shaili wept. Dirai police OC Inamul Haq Chowdhury inspected the site, vowing probes if complaints formalize.
Contextually, this caps a horrific spree—fourth weekly, eighth in 22 days—amid post-regime instability. Advocacy groups decry impunity, pressing for protections and accountability. Joy’s untimely end begs the question: when will Bangladesh safeguard its Hindu populace from such daily dread?