South Asia Minorities Collective Condemns Ethnic Violence in Bangladesh; Calls for Justice for Prant Das and Protection for Religious Minorities

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 28, 2025 Washington, DC — The South Asia Minorities Collective (SAMC) strongly condemns the horrific killing of Prant Das, a 20-year-old Hindu youth, in Bausi village, Dirai, Sunamganj, Bangladesh, on April 26, 2025. This senseless act of violence — over a trivial matter — highlights the alarming state of lawlessness and escalating threats against Bangladesh’s religious and ethnic minority communities. An armed individual named Shakil fatally attacked Prant Das with a sharp weapon following a verbal altercation, according to reports. Despite immediate efforts by family members to seek medical assistance, Prant Das was declared dead upon arrival at Dirai Upazila Health Complex. Under the current caretaker administration, Bangladesh’s Hindu community and other minorities are facing a broader pattern of violence, intimidation, and fear, which this incident reflects. The South Asia Minorities Collective demands that the Bangladesh government urgently take action to identify and prosecute all perpetrators involved in this crime. Authorities must ensure that justice is served to the full extent of Bangladesh’s laws. Failure to take decisive action will only intensify suspicions that the government is either complicit in enabling such violence or, at the very least, is ignoring the suffering of its vulnerable populations. We call on the international human rights community to intervene and advocate for the protection of Bangladesh’s religious and ethnic minorities. Immediate steps must be taken to uphold the basic human rights and dignity of all citizens, regardless of faith or ethnicity. The government of Bangladesh must demonstrate through clear and credible action that it stands against hatred and violence — not with the killers. Anything less will further tarnish the nation’s commitment to democratic values and human rights. The world is watching. Justice must be swift, impartial, and transparent. About South Asia Minorities Collective (SAMCollective): The South Asia Minorities Collective is a Washington, DC-based organization dedicated to advocating for the rights, dignity, and safety of religious and ethnic minority communities across South Asia.   Media Contact: South Asia Minorities Collective Email: media@southasiaminorities.org Phone: +1 (202) 555-0145 Website: www.southasiaminorities.org