The killing of a 19-year-old Buddhist youth in Cox’s Bazar has intensified concerns among Bangladesh’s religious minority communities, coming amid allegations of prolonged communal threats, earlier attacks on the victim’s family, and claims of intimidation by local radical elements.

The victim, Rahid Barua, was found dead on the morning of January 19, hanging from a tree near his home in BGB Camp Paschim Para, an area under Cox’s Bazar Sadar. Family members and local residents allege that Rahid was abducted from in front of his house late the previous night and murdered after being subjected to physical torture.

Police have recovered the body and launched an investigation, while minority rights groups and community leaders have called for the immediate arrest and prosecution of those allegedly involved.

According to Rahid’s father, Kalu Barua, the incident occurred shortly after midnight on Sunday, January 18. Rahid was standing in front of their house when several individuals arrived in two auto-rickshaws and took him away. After that, his mobile phone was found switched off, raising immediate concern among family members.

The following morning, local residents discovered Rahid’s body hanging from a tamarind tree at the house of a nearby relative. Police were informed, and the body was subsequently recovered and sent to the Cox’s Bazar District Sadar Hospital morgue for post-mortem examination.

Family members and witnesses claim that Rahid’s body bore multiple injury marks, suggesting that he may have been subjected to violence prior to death. However, police officials have stated that the exact cause of death will........

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