Bangladesh: Burnt Body of Hindu Priest Found Hanging from Tree in Cox’s Bazar After Going Missing; Minority Groups Seek Swift Justice.

Kabita Saha | HENB | Dhaka | April 27, 2026:: A 40-year-old Hindu priest and temple caretaker, identified as Nayan Sadhu, was found dead under suspicious circumstances in southeastern Cox’s Bazar, three days after he reportedly went missing. The incident has sparked concern among minority organisations, which are demanding prompt arrests and a thorough investigation.

Sadhu, a resident of Dohazari in Chattogram, served as a caretaker-cum-priest at a Shivakali temple in the Khurushkul union area. According to local accounts and police sources, he was allegedly taken away by two unidentified individuals on the evening of April 19. His body was later discovered hanging from a tree in a hilly forest like area on the outskirts of a village.

Observers in Rights Groups have expressed concern over a perceived rise in violence and intimidation targeting Hindu minorities in Bangladesh, with allegations that certain Islamist groups or mobs have been involved in such incidents.

Police officials stated that the body had begun decomposing by the time it was recovered, indicating that death had occurred some time before the discovery. Authorities have not yet determined whether the case involves homicide or suicide. The body has been sent for post-mortem examination, and officials say conclusions will depend on forensic findings.

Minority Groups Demand Action

The incident has drawn strong reactions from minority advocacy organisations, including the Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council, which condemned the death and called for immediate arrests.

In a statement, the group urged authorities to ensure “exemplary punishment” for those responsible. Senior member Kajal Debnath questioned the motive behind the killing, noting that Sadhu was an “ordinary caretaker of a relatively small temple in a remote area.”

The Bangladesh Puja Celebration Council’s Cox’s Bazar unit also expressed concern. Its general secretary, Jony Dhar, said the circumstances surrounding the death raised suspicions of foul play, hinting it as a case of murder.

Investigation Underway

Police launched an inquiry after Sadhu’s wife filed a missing person’s complaint on April 19, the same day he was reportedly taken. Investigators are currently examining witness accounts and awaiting the autopsy report to clarify the cause of death. It is reported that HRCBM (Human Rights Congress for Bangladesh Minorities) helped the late sadhu’s wife file the FIR.

The case comes amid broader concerns raised by minority groups about safety and communal tensions. The Unity Council has previously reported over 130 incidents of communal violence across Bangladesh between January and March this year, though each case varies in nature and is subject to separate investigation.

Authorities have yet to announce any arrests in connection with Sadhu’s death. Officials say further action will depend on the findings of the ongoing probe.

Protest rally in Cox’s Bazar and Role of PM

The death of Nayan Sadhu has sparked outrage among Hindu minorities in Bangladesh, prompting protests in Cox’s Bazar. Demonstrators demanded justice and the immediate arrest of those responsible for his death.

Observers draw parallels between the death of Nayan Sadhu and the killing of Dipu Das last year in Bangladesh, noting similarities in the shocking nature of the incidents and the fear they generated among minority communities. Both cases, involving victims from vulnerable backgrounds, triggered protests and demands for swift justice, while also raising broader concerns about safety, accountability, and the effectiveness of law enforcement in addressing such crimes. However, authorities have treated each case separately, and investigations into the specific circumstances and motives remain crucial before drawing definitive conclusions.

The newly elected BNP (Bangladesh Nationalist Party) government, led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, is now facing criticism over concerns about the safety and security of Hindu minorities, with some alleging a failure to ensure their protection.

According to Bangladesh’s leading newspaper, The Daily Star, despite big promises, the present Bangladesh government is doing little to end mob culture against minority Hindus and the vulnerable sections of common people.
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_Agency Inputs.