Hindu Student Attacked by Muslim Classmates Over Alleged Blasphemy [Gopalganj, Bangladesh]

(Reported as seen)

In a troubling episode of religious intolerance, a Hindu student, Utsa Gain, faced a violent attack by his Muslim classmates at Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Science and Technology University in Gopalganj, Bangladesh. The assault stemmed from accusations of blasphemy related to an article Gain shared in a student messenger group.

Utsa Gain, a student of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, resided in the university hostel. A few days prior to the attack, he forwarded an article written by an atheist to the students’ messenger group. The content of the article was perceived by some Muslim students as blasphemous, particularly for its purported derogatory remarks against Prophet Muhammad.

On the night of May 26, Muslim classmates forcibly removed Gain from his room and subjected him to severe physical torture. The assault was so brutal that Gain lost consciousness. His attackers continued their violence until police intervened.

The timely arrival of police officers prevented a potential lynching. They rescued Gain and took him to Gopalganj Sadar Hospital. Given the severity of his injuries, he was later transferred to Dhaka Medical College and Hospital, where he is currently receiving treatment. His condition remains critical.

Eyewitnesses reported that if the police had not arrived when they did, Gain’s life would have been in grave danger. The attack has heightened fears among the Hindu minority community in Bangladesh, which has been experiencing continuous persecution.

The incident reflects the persistent challenges faced by religious minorities in Bangladesh. Accusations of blasphemy often lead to severe consequences, including violence and social ostracism. This event underscores the urgent need for stronger protections for religious minorities and more robust measures to prevent such acts of violence.

In Gopalganj, Bangladesh, Utsa Gain, a Hindu student, was brutally attacked by Muslim classmates over allegations of blasphemy related to an article he shared. The swift intervention by police saved his life, but he remains in critical condition at Dhaka Medical College and Hospital. This incident highlights the ongoing persecution of Hindu minorities in Bangladesh and calls for increased protection and tolerance for religious diversity.