Another violent incident has raised fresh concerns about attacks on minorities in Bangladesh. On Monday evening, unidentified gunmen shot and killed a Hindu businessman in southwestern Bangladesh.

The victim, Rana Pratap, was 45 years old. He owned a factory and also served as an acting newspaper editor. The attackers shot him in the head.

Shooting Reported in Jashore District

According to an NDTV report citing officials, the shooting took place around 6 pm. The incident occurred in the Kopalia Bazar area of Manirampur sub-district in Jashore.

Soon after the attack, local authorities rushed to the scene.

Victim Ran Ice Factory in Market Area

According to Akhtar Faruk Mintu, chairman of the Manoharpur Union Parishad, Pratap was the son of a school teacher from Arua village in the nearby Keshabpur sub-district.

For the past two years, Pratap had been running an ice factory in Kopalia Bazar. “Some men called him out of the ice factory, led him to an alley, and shot him,” NDTV quoted Mintu as saying.

Attackers Arrived on Motorcycle

Meanwhile, eyewitnesses described how the attack unfolded. A local resident, Ripon Hossain, said the assailants came to the area on a motorcycle.

“They had an argument with Pratap, fired several rounds at his head and fled,” he said. Later, police recovered seven bullet casings from beside Pratap’s body.

Reports Cite Past Legal Cases

According to NDTV, citing a local source, Pratap had several cases pending at different police stations in Jashore. In addition, the report mentioned alleged links to an extremist group.

Apart from his business, Pratap also worked as the acting editor of the daily BD Khobo_r, which is published from Narail district.

Newspaper Colleague Expresses Doubt

Meanwhile, Abul Kashem, the news editor of BD Khobo_r, confirmed Pratap’s role at the newspaper but expressed uncertainty over the motive.

“Rana Pratap was our acting editor. Although there were cases against him at one time, he was acquitted in all of them. I cannot say what led to this murder,” he said.

Political Leader Makes Allegations

At the same time, Jahangir Alam, general secretary of the BNP’s Sufalakati Union unit in Keshabpur, made allegations about Pratap’s background.

“He had an ice factory in Kopalia and was killed in that area. He was involved in various disputes,” NDTV quoted Alam as saying. "He moved freely in the Kopalia area and did not live in his own village," NDTV further quoted Alam as saying.

Police Launch Investigation

Following the killing, police confirmed that they have begun an investigation. Manirampur Police Station Officer-in-Charge Raziullah Khan shared details of the response.

“After receiving the news, we went to the scene. The body has been recovered and sent to the morgue for an autopsy. We are investigating who was involved,” he said.

Minority Violence Draws Criticism

Notably, Pratap’s killing comes amid growing concern over violence against minorities in Bangladesh. The incident follows the rape of a Hindu widow and the killing of at least three Hindu men since December.

As a result, critics have questioned the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government’s handling of attacks on minority communities.