Mymensingh, Bangladesh In a chilling escalation of violence against religious minorities, a 25-year-old Hindu man was brutally lynched by a mob and his body set ablaze in the Bhaluka Upazila of Mymensingh district. The victim, identified as Dipu Chandra Das, was a garment factory worker and the sole breadwinner for his family.
A Night of Terror
While the world watched the political instability unfolding in Dhaka, a horrific act of “mob justice” occurred on the night of December 18, 2025. Dipu Chandra Das was not just killed; he was tied to a tree, beaten to death, and then set on fire in full public view a “jihadist festival,” as described by human rights activists.
What Happened? The Sequence of Events
The incident took place in the Dubalia Para area near the Dhaka-Mymensingh highway. According to local police and eyewitness reports:
- The Allegation: Rumors spread at the Pioneer Knit Composite Factory that Dipu had made derogatory remarks about Prophet Muhammad during an event.
- The Mob Attack: Around 9:00 PM, an agitated crowd intercepted Dipu outside the factory. Despite his pleas of innocence, the mob began a sustained assault.
- The Execution: The mob reportedly tied Dipu to a tree, beat him until he succumbed to his injuries, and then set his body on fire.
- Highway Chaos: The burning body was later moved to the Dhaka-Mymensingh highway, causing a total halt in traffic and spreading panic throughout the region.
The Reason Behind the Incident: Conspiracy or Blasphemy?
The primary trigger was a blasphemy allegation, a frequent catalyst for communal violence in the region. However, deeper investigation and claims by activists like Taslima Nasreen suggest a more sinister motive. It is alleged that a personal dispute with a Muslim co-worker led to a false accusation of blasphemy to “punish” Dipu over a trivial factory-related matter.
Furthermore, the timing of the attack coincides with nationwide volatility following the death of Sharif Osman Hadi, a prominent leader of the “July Uprising.” As the country grapples with a breakdown in law and order, radical elements have increasingly targeted the Hindu minority, often using the cover of political chaos to settle local scores.
Current Status: Arrests and Government Reaction
The Muhammad Yunus-led interim government has strongly condemned the act, stating there is “no space for such violence in New Bangladesh.”
- Arrests: The Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) has arrested seven individuals (aged 19 to 46) in connection with the lynching.
- Family Status: Dipu leaves behind a disabled father, a mother, a wife, and a young child. His family remains in a state of shock, fearing for their lives as the sole earner is gone.
- Police Investigation: A post-mortem has been conducted at Mymensingh Medical College Hospital. Authorities are currently attempting to maintain communal harmony in the area as tensions remains high.
“Dipu Chandra Das was the sole breadwinner. With his earnings, his family survived. Who will bring the mad murderers to justice?” — Taslima Nasreen, Human Rights Activist.
The Broader Context
This incident is the latest in a series of attacks on the Hindu community since the political transition in August 2024. International human rights organizations have flagged the increasing use of mob violence and the “weaponization” of blasphemy laws to target minorities in Bangladesh.
