Tragic Lynching of Hindu Youth in Bangladesh Sparks Outrage

Arrests Made Following Brutal Killing

Dhaka: The Chief Advisor of Bangladesh's interim government, Muhammad Yunus, announced on Saturday that authorities have detained seven suspects linked to the lynching of a Hindu youth named Dipu Chandra Das, who was killed over allegations of blasphemy.

Yunus shared on X that the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) apprehended the suspects in connection with the tragic incident involving 27-year-old Dipu Chandra Das in Bhaluka, Mymensingh.

The individuals taken into custody include Limon Sarkar, Tarek Hossain, Manik Mia, Ershad Ali, Nijum Uddin, Alomgir Hossain, and Miraj Hossain Akon.

RAB-14 conducted operations across various sites to arrest these suspects.

The violent event unfolded on Thursday night at the Pioneer Knit Composite Factory located in the Square Masterbari area of Bhaluka upazila.

Dipu, a factory worker and resident of Tarakanda Upazila in Mymensingh, was reportedly accused of making offensive remarks about Islam and the Prophet Muhammad during a World Arabic Language Day event at the factory.

The accusations quickly spread, leading to heightened tensions, and Dipu was subsequently attacked by a mob, resulting in his death at the scene.

Following his death, the situation escalated further, with the crowd dragging his body to the Square Masterbari bus stand, tying it to a tree, beating it, and ultimately setting it on fire while chanting slogans.

Bhaluka Upazila Executive Officer, Md. Firoz Hossain, confirmed the incident, stating that a person was killed due to allegations of insulting the Prophet, and noted that the deceased's body is currently in police custody.

Former Minister and Awami League leader Mohammad Ali Arafat condemned the incident, claiming that Bangladesh is increasingly moving towards radicalism under the leadership of Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus.

The rise in violence against minorities, particularly Hindus, during Yunus's interim government has drawn significant criticism from both the public and various human rights organizations worldwide.