Dhaka: Fear grips Bangladesh’s Hindu minority following the horrific lynching of garment worker Dipu Chandra Das, whose charred body was found hanging from a tree and set ablaze on December 18 in Bhaluka, Mymensingh district.
The 27-year-old father of one was dragged from his factory by a mob after co-workers accused him of blasphemy during a workplace dispute. Crowds watched as witnesses described his merciless beating, hanging, and burning alive. Police reportedly fled the scene without intervening.
Dipu’s devastated family spoke to NDTV, recounting the nightmare. His brother received a frantic call about the attack, only to find him already dead. The family, burdened by debt and grief, has received no direct assurances from authorities despite arrests of at least 12 suspects.
Protests erupted across Bangladesh, with Hindus and students demanding justice. One demonstrator lamented, “We are Sanatanis… they won’t let us live here.” Another, lawyer Choutali Chakravarti, appealed: “1.5 crore Hindus have no safety… please help us.”
The incident, amid post-Sheikh Hasina unrest, has intensified concerns over minority safety. India’s MEA expressed deep concern, urging accountability. The interim government condemned the violence and promised action, but many in the community feel abandoned.
As Bangladesh navigates political turmoil, Dipu Das’s killing underscores the growing vulnerability of Hindus, who fear more targeted attacks in the absence of robust protection.