Dinajpur, Bangladesh – The brutal abduction and murder of Hindu community leader Bhabesh Chandra Roy in Bangladesh has ignited fury across South Asia, with Indian spiritual leader Sadhguru amplifying global attention through a viral tweet condemning the “savage persecution” of minorities.

A Leader Dragged from Home, Beaten to Death

Bhabesh Chandra Roy, 58, vice-president of the Biral unit of the Bangladesh Puja Udjapan Parishad, was forcibly taken from his Dinajpur home on Thursday afternoon by four men on motorcycles. Eyewitnesses reported seeing Roy beaten unconscious in Narabari village before his body was dumped at his doorstep. His wife, Shantana Roy, identified two attackers, alleging prior disputes.

“They called to confirm he was home. Minutes later, they dragged him away,” Shantana told The Daily Star. Roy died en route to Dinajpur Medical College Hospital, with autopsy results pending.

Rising Tide of Minority Persecution

Roy’s murder follows a disturbing pattern. A September 2024 report by Dhaka-based Ain O Salish Kendra (ASK) documented 147 attacks on Hindu communities this year alone, including vandalism of 408 homes, 113 businesses, and 92 temples. Prothom Alo, Bangladesh’s top Bengali daily, linked the surge to political shifts post-Awami League government.

“Hindus feel abandoned,” said local activist Anika Chowdhury (name changed for safety). “Even our places of worship aren’t safe.”

Sadhguru’s Viral Condemnation: “Unacceptable”

The tragedy gained global traction when Sadhguru, founder of Isha Foundation and a voice for 21M Twitter followers, tweeted:

“This savage persecution of the minority community in Bangladesh must stop. This is a blot on the subcontinent & on Humanity. Unacceptable. -Sg”

The post, shared over 18,000 times, spurred heated debates. While some praised his advocacy, critics accused him of oversimplifying complex socio-political tensions.
 

This savage persecution of the minority community in Bangladesh must stop. This is a blot on the subcontinent & on Humanity. Unacceptable. -Sg https://t.co/7Q5AqT4wzB

— Sadhguru (@SadhguruJV) April 20, 2025

India’s Diplomatic Pressure

Prime Minister Narendra Modi reportedly raised minority safety during recent talks with Bangladesh Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus. India’s longstanding concerns mirror its own domestic politics, where BJP leaders frequently highlight Hindu persecution abroad.

Will Justice Prevail?

Dinajpur police say they’re “prioritizing” arrests, but locals remain skeptical. “We’ve seen cases buried before,” said a neighbor, refusing to be named.

Why This Matters: Beyond one man’s death, Roy’s murder underscores systemic vulnerabilities facing minorities in Bangladesh. With influencers like Sadhguru magnifying the issue, international scrutiny could pressure authorities to act—or deepen divisions.