Who Was The Hindu Journalist Shot Dead In Bangladesh?

Rana Pratap, a Hindu journalist and small businessman, was shot dead on Monday evening in Bangladesh’s Jashore district, adding to growing fears over the safety of religious minorities in the country.

His killing has sparked fresh concern as similar incidents targeting Hindus have been reported repeatedly over the past month.

Rana Pratap was 45 years old and worked as the acting editor of a local newspaper, BD Khobor, which is published from the neighbouring Narail district.

Alongside journalism, he also ran an ice factory in the Kopalia Bazar area of Manirampur, where he lived and worked for the past two years. Locals described him as a familiar face in the area, known both for his business and his reporting work.

According to police and eyewitness accounts, the attack took place around 6 pm on Monday.

A group of men allegedly called Pratap out of his ice factory. When he stepped outside, they led him into a nearby narrow lane. Moments later, gunshots were heard. Pratap was reportedly shot multiple times in the head at close range, and his throat was also slit. The attackers fled the scene on a motorcycle.

Police reached the spot soon after and recovered the body.

Officials said several bullet casings were found near the place of the attack. Pratap’s body has been sent for post-mortem, and an investigation is underway to identify those behind the killing and the motive.

His death comes at a time when Bangladesh has seen a series of violent incidents involving members of the Hindu community.

Since December 2025, at least four Hindus have been killed in different parts of the country.

In recent weeks, reports have included mob attacks, lynchings, shootings and sexual violence against Hindu individuals, drawing criticism and concern both within Bangladesh and from India.