Bangladesh: Interim Government Denies Communal Motive, Points to Victim’s Alleged Criminal Ties

A Hindu man from Bangladesh’s minority community was beaten to death by a mob on December 24, 2025, prompting the interim government in Dhaka to describe the incident as regrettable while firmly rejecting claims of religious motivation.

The victim, identified as Amrit Mondal—also known as Samrat—was accused by authorities of leading a criminal gang involved in extortion and other illegal activities. According to an official press release, Mondal had arrived in the area demanding money, leading to a confrontation with residents that escalated into violence.

The interim administration strongly condemned the killing but emphasized that preliminary police investigations indicated no communal angle. “It was not at all a communally motivated attack,” the statement read, linking the episode instead to extortion and terrorist activities. It described the deceased as a “top terrorist” and noted that locals clashed with him in anger.

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Police arrested Mondal’s associate, Salim, who was found in possession of a foreign pistol and a locally made firearm. Three related cases have already been filed, the government added.

Officials expressed concern over efforts by certain groups to emphasize the victim’s religious identity and portray the event as a targeted assault on minorities. The press note urged all parties to act responsibly and avoid sensationalizing the matter along communal lines.

The incident comes amid heightened scrutiny of law and order in Bangladesh under the interim government, though authorities maintain it stems from criminal disputes rather than religious tensions.