Bangladesh: Hindu Youth Brutally Killed for Demanding Petrol Payment; BNP Leader Among Two Arrested

Published on: 18 Jan 2026 at 06:10 AM

Published by: Gill Bikram

Bangladesh: Hindu Youth Brutally Killed for Demanding Petrol Payment; BNP Leader Among Two Arrested

Shocking Incident in Rajbari District
A chilling incident has come to light in Bangladesh’s Rajbari district, where a 30-year-old Hindu youth, Ripon Saha, was run over and killed by an SUV driver. Police acted swiftly, arresting the vehicle’s owner, Abul Hashim—a member of the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP)—and the driver in connection with the case.

Details of the Tragic Event
The incident unfolded early Friday morning around 4:30 AM at the Karim Filling Station. Eyewitnesses report that a black SUV pulled up to the petrol pump and filled up with fuel worth 5,000 Taka (approximately 3,710 Indian Rupees). As the driver attempted to flee without paying, station employee Ripon Saha bravely stood in front of the vehicle to stop him.

Instead of halting, the driver accelerated, crushing Ripon under the wheels before speeding away from the scene. Ripon succumbed to his injuries on the spot in this heartbreaking tragedy.

BNP Leader’s Involvement and Arrests
Police seized the SUV and took both suspects into custody. Vehicle owner Abul Hashim is a professional contractor and former district president of BNP’s youth wing, Jubo Dal. The driver, Kamal Hossain, was also arrested. Senior police officer Ziaur Rahman confirmed that a murder case has been registered against them, with investigations underway to determine if religious animosity played any role.

Rising Tensions Ahead of Elections
With parliamentary elections scheduled for February 12, 2026, concerns are mounting over increasing violence against minorities in Bangladesh. According to the Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council, 51 communal violence incidents occurred in December 2025 alone. Such events are believed to aim at intimidating minority voters.

Impact on India-Bangladesh Relations
Relations between India and Bangladesh have been fragile since the August 2024 coup. India has repeatedly urged Bangladesh’s interim government to ensure the safety of Hindus and other minorities. Incidents like Ripon Saha’s murder could further strain diplomatic ties between the two nations.