Nayan Sadhu, a Hindu temple caretaker from the Dohazari area in southeastern Bangladesh, was found dead under suspicious circumstances. His body was recovered hanging from a tree three days after he was allegedly abducted by two unidentified men on April 19. The incident has prompted strong reactions from local minority groups, who are calling for immediate justice and accountability.

Sadhu, who served as a caretaker-cum-priest at a Shivakali temple, was reported missing when his wife filed a complaint with local authorities. Following the report, police initiated an investigation that led to the grim discovery of his body in a hilly area on the outskirts of his village. The circumstances surrounding his death have raised serious questions about potential murder, as police officials indicated that decomposition suggested his body had been there for some time.

The Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council (BHBCUC) condemned the incident, demanding swift action against the perpetrators. Senior member Kajal Debnath expressed disbelief over the motive behind such violence, questioning why someone like Sadhu, who was a caretaker of a relatively small temple, would be targeted.

General Secretary of the Bangladesh Puja Celebration Council's Cox’s Bazar unit, Jony Dhar, also weighed in, asserting that the timeline and conditions of Sadhu's death strongly point towards murder rather than suicide. The police have confirmed that the body has been sent for a post-mortem examination to determine the exact cause of death.

This shocking case underscored ongoing tensions faced by minority groups in Bangladesh, where reports indicate at least 133 incidents of communal violence occurred in the first quarter of 2026 alone. Local authorities are under pressure to ensure the safety of practitioners of minority religions while addressing the pervasive violence that homogenizes societal tensions.

As investigations continue, the BHBCUC is advocating for justice, urging the government to prioritize the protection of minority rights and safeguard communities against acts of violence.