Dhaka, Jan 10: As violence against minorities continues to mount across Bangladesh, another Hindu man died after consuming poison over a debt of 500 Bangladeshi Taka in Dirai upazila of Sunamganj district, local media reported.
The victim, identified as 19-year-old Joy Mohapatra, died on Friday morning while undergoing treatment at M A G Osmani Medical College Hospital in Sylhet.
Citing the deceased’s cousin, Ayan Das, Bangladeshi Bengali media outlet Sylhet View 24 reported that Joy had purchased a mobile phone for 5,500 Taka from grocery shopkeeper Amirul Islam.
He paid 2,000 Taka in cash and agreed to pay the balance in weekly instalments of 500 Taka. Although he made the payments regularly, the final instalment was delayed.
It is alleged that Joy went to Amirul Islam’s shop Thursday to pay the instalment but was beaten up, humiliated and had his mobile phone seized.
Ayan said that Joy admitted to consuming poison on Thursday evening. He was rushed to the Dirai Upazila Health Complex, and when his condition deteriorated, the on-duty doctor referred him to Sylhet.
Recalling the tragic incident, Joy’s mother, Shelly Mohapatra, was quoted as saying by Sylhet View 24, “When they asked for money from him in the morning and did not get it, they took my son’s mobile phone away. Later, when he asked for the SIM, they asked him to come in the evening. When he went in the evening, they slapped my son. My son consumed poison at that shop.”
Confirming the incident, Enamul Haque Chowdhury, Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Dirai Police Station, was quoted as saying by Sylhet View 24: “We have received information and inspected the scene. Legal action will be taken if we receive a complaint.”
This marks the eighth incident in 22 days and the fourth incident this week, highlighting a disturbing surge in violence targeting Hindu communities throughout Bangladesh. (IANS)
