At least seven people have been arrested in connection with the mob lynching of a Hindu man in Bangladesh’s Mymensingh district. The killing has triggered nationwide outrage and occurred during a period of violent protests across the country following the death of a student political leader.
Bangladesh Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus confirmed that the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) carried out operations at multiple locations and detained seven suspects. The arrested individuals have been identified as Md Limon Sarkar, Md Tarek Hossain, Md Manik Mia, Ershad Ali, Nijum Uddin, Alomgir Hossain and Md Miraj Hossain Akon.
The victim, Dipu Chandra Das, was a young garment factory worker. He was killed in the Bhaluka area of Mymensingh after a mob accused him of blasphemy. Reports say he was tied up, beaten to death and later set on fire, while thousands of people looked on.
The incident has raised serious concerns about growing mob violence and the breakdown of law and order in the country.
Also Read: Bangladesh Protest: Who was Dipu Chandra Das? The Hindu Man Lynched by a Muslim Mob in Bhaluka
Police Describe How the Lynching Happened
A police officer on duty in Bhaluka described the sequence of events to an international news channel. “On Thursday, at around 9 pm, an enraged crowd caught him and beat him to death, accusing him of making derogatory remarks about the Prophet. They then set the body on fire,” the officer said.
Outrage Among Minorities and Regional Concerns
The lynching has sparked anger and fear among minority communities in Bangladesh. Political leaders and observers in neighbouring India have also expressed concern over the safety of Hindus in the country.
Since the removal of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina during last year’s student uprising, attacks against the Hindu minority have reportedly increased. Several such incidents have occurred after Muhammad Yunus took over as head of the caretaker government.
Interim Government Condemns the Killing
The interim government issued a statement on Friday strongly condemning the lynching in Mymensingh. It said such violence is unacceptable in the new Bangladesh and promised strict action against those responsible.
Minority Groups Demand Justice
The Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council also condemned the killing. The organisation demanded the immediate arrest of all those involved and called for exemplary punishment to ensure justice and prevent similar attacks in the future.
Violence Follows Death of Student Political Leader
The lynching took place amid rising unrest across Bangladesh following the death of Inqilab Mancha leader Sharif Osman Hadi. After his death, violent protests erupted in several cities. Mobs attacked media offices, including The Daily Star and Prothom Alo. Protesters also targeted the partially demolished residence of Bangladesh’s founding father, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, further deepening the crisis.
Also Read: Who Was Sharif Osman Hadi & Why Was He Targeted in Dhaka? Yunus Calls for Calm, Orders Swift Probe
