In a disturbing event that unfolded on the 15th of March, in the bustling streets of Sylhet city in Bangladesh, a Hindu businessman found himself the target of a violent assault. Rajiv Kumar Dey, the owner of a modest establishment situated in the vicinity of the Sylhet MAG Osmani Medical College Hospital (SOMCH), became the victim of an attack led by a group of Islamists. This attack was not a random act of violence but was precipitated by Dey's decision to keep his shop operational during the daylight hours of the holy month of Ramzan.

The orchestrator of this assault was identified as Sohail Hassan, a name that has been tied to the Chhatra League, the student wing of the Awami League government currently led by Sheikh Hasina. The connection of the accused to such a significant political entity adds a layer of complexity to the incident.

From the onset of Ramzan, Hassan, along with his associates, had been imposing upon Dey, demanding a payment of 'chanda' or protection money. Despite the pressure and the looming threat, Dey stood firm in his resolve, refusing to succumb to their demands. This act of defiance, however, led to a confrontation that escalated quickly, resulting in Dey sustaining injuries from a sharp weapon.

The gravity of the situation is underscored by the fact that it took place during a period that is traditionally associated with fasting, prayer, and reflection. The attack not only highlights the challenges faced by minority communities but also raises questions about the safety and freedom of individuals to conduct their business without fear of persecution or violence.

In the face of adversity and with a resolve to continue his livelihood, Rajiv Kumar Dey made adjustments to his business operations out of respect for the ongoing Ramzan, the holy month of fasting observed by Muslims. Understanding the significance of this period, he installed a curtain outside his shop, an act of consideration towards the fasting individuals. His intention was clear: to serve the Hindu patients who required services during the day while visiting the nearby Sylhet MAG Osmani Medical College Hospital (SOMCH).

Furthermore, showcasing an inclusive approach, Dey did not limit his services to the Hindu community alone. In the evenings, he extended his offerings to include iftari, the meal consumed by Muslims at sunset during Ramzan to break their fast. This gesture reflected his desire to cater to all sections of the community, irrespective of religious boundaries.

However, on the afternoon of Friday, 15th March, this symbol of communal harmony was shattered when Sohail Hassan, accompanied by his associate, confronted Dey at his shop. The duo accused him of offending religious sentiments by operating his business during Ramzan. Their words took a more aggressive turn as they declared that a Hindu man had no right to sell iftari to Muslims. Following this verbal assault, they escalated their hostility into physical violence, attacking Dey with a sharp weapon and causing significant damage to his shop.

The aftermath of this unwarranted aggression was dire. Dey was urgently admitted to the Sylhet MAG Osmani Medical College Hospital, the very hospital near which he ran his shop. The severity of his injuries was such that it necessitated 18 stitches on his head, a vivid testament to the brutality of the assault. During this chaos, Sohail Hassan and his accomplices further compounded their cruelty by looting the cashbox from Dey's shop, adding financial insult to physical injury.

Rajiv Kumar Dey was left to reckon with the tangible losses inflicted upon him and his business. Among the immediate repercussions was the theft of his earnings, a blow that added financial strain to his physical injuries. "They broke my cashbox and took money," Dey recounted, a statement that captures both his disbelief and the material impact of the assault. The incident did not just affect him but also extended its harm to his employee, who sustained injuries during the attack. This detail underlines the wider ripple effects of such targeted violence, affecting not only the direct victims but also those associated with them.

In response to the distressing event, a police team, led by Officer-in-charge (OC) Mohammad Moinuddin, promptly arrived at the scene of the crime. Their presence marked an official acknowledgment of the incident, yet, despite this, a police case had not been officially filed in connection with the attack at that time. This lack of immediate formal action raises questions about the processes that follow such incidents and the challenges victims may face in seeking justice.

The unfortunate reality is that this incident is not an isolated event but part of a troubling pattern of persecution faced by the Hindu minority in Bangladesh. Highlighting the systemic nature of this issue, another case surfaced in January of the same year involving a figure from the Chhatra League. Ibrahim Miya, holding the position of convenor at the Kachua Government Bangabandhu Degree College's Chhatra League, was reported to have unlawfully taken possession of land belonging to a Hindu family in Basabaria village. This act of usurpation not only demonstrates the direct victimization of Hindu families but also signifies a broader issue of rights and protections for minority communities in Bangladesh.