Young Christian man killed as crime wave hits Bangladesh
Piyas Majumder, 22, was shot in broad daylight during a robbery in Kotalipara, Gopalganj. Concerns grow following the violent death, sparking protests among minorities who want greater law enforcement. In the first seven months of the country’s provisional government, the death tool from gang violence reached 119. For Abdul Wahab Minar, December elections are impossible without change.
Dhaka (AsiaNews) – A robbery in broad daylight in Kotalipara, Gopalganj district, has left one young Christian dead, raising serious concerns for the safety of minorities in the country.
The incident took place yesterday afternoon in the village of Lakirpara. The victim, Piyas Majumder, 22, was brutally strangled after he was tied to a bed by thieves during a home burglary.
The criminals broke into the residence of Paul Majumder Khokon, a dentist, and his wife Anita Vaidya, a nurse, while they were away working. Upon returning home, the man found his son immobilised and lifeless.
His cries for help attracted neighbours, who immediately took Piyas to the Kotalipara Upazila Health Complex, where doctors pronounced him dead.
After tying up the young man, the burglars allegedly stole cash, gold jewellery, and other valuables.
Salman Majumder, one of the neighbours, confirmed the version. “We heard Paul Majumder Khokon's screams and rushed in. We found Piyas tied up and immediately sent him to the hospital. The entire house was ransacked,” he said.
Kotalipara Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Md Abul Kalam Azad said that the body was sent to Gopalganj Morgue for autopsy. "Further legal action will be taken after a thorough investigation," he added.
The deterioration of the law and order situation has sparked fear among minority communities, particularly women. The atmosphere is not at all reassuring.
The increase in crimes, murders, robberies and sexual assaults have prompted many women from religious minorities to reconsider their safety. Some, desperate, are even thinking of leaving the country.
Fr Liton Gomes, parish priest in Gouronodi, Diocese of Barishal, condemned the killing.
“The murder of Christian youth Piyas Majumder is heartbreaking. I extend my deepest condolences to the victim’s family and strongly demand justice and exemplary punishment for the criminals," the clergyman told AsiaNews.
As a result of the climate of insecurity, protests broke out at educational establishments in various cities, including Dhaka, with people calling for stronger law enforcement.
Some have even called for the resignation of the interim government's Home Affairs Advisor.
This worrying trend comes a time when joint forces are carrying out a nationwide security operation called “Devil Hunt”. Despite this, incidents such as bus robberies, home break-ins, and public killings continue to sow fear.
Social media is abuzz with outrage over recent cases of gang beatings, kidnappings and extrajudicial violence, further raising public concern.
According to human rights groups, 119 people have been killed by gang violence in seven months since the current government came to power.
In January and February alone, 96 women and children were raped. In the same period, 16 people lost their lives due to political violence. Police reported that 294 people were killed in January 2025, up from 231 in January 2024, a significant jump.
Meanwhile, political parties are increasingly concerned about the upcoming general election, scheduled for December, fearing that it will not be free nor fair.
“A fair election is impossible without first improving the law and order situation," said Amar Bangladesh (AB) Party Senior Vice Chairman Dr Abdul Wahab Minar.
“The continuous reports of rape, robbery, and kidnappings are deeply disturbing. How can such crimes persist while the army is deployed on the streets? The interim government must answer for this failure,” he said, adding: “How do you expect to hold a fair election amid this chaos?”
With crime on the rise and people losing faith in law enforcement, urgent action is needed to restore peace and security in the country. The call for justice for the murder of Piyas Majumder is another call for accountability in an increasingly insecure society.
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