Brutal lynching of Hindu youth Dipu Chandra Das sparks mass protests in Dhaka as Hindu organisations demand exemplary punishment, justice, and protection for minorities amid rising religious violence in Bangladesh under the interim government.
Dhaka witnessed strong protests on Friday as members of the Bangladesh National Hindu Grand Alliance, also known as the Bangladesh Jatiya Hindu Mahajote, formed a human chain and organised a protest rally demanding justice for the brutal lynching of Hindu youth Dipu Chandra Das. The demonstrators called for immediate arrests, a detailed investigation, and exemplary punishment for those responsible for what they described as a continuing genocide against religious minorities in the country.
The protest was held in front of the National Press Club in Dhaka and saw the participation of nearly 400 people. Protesters carried placards condemning mob violence, religious extremism, and the growing insecurity faced by minorities, particularly Hindus, under the current political environment. The gathering echoed with slogans demanding accountability, rule of law, and protection for vulnerable communities.
Twenty-five-year-old Dipu Chandra Das was lynched on December 18 after a mob accused him of blasphemy, allegations later described as false and fabricated. According to reports, dozens of radical elements attacked Das mercilessly, killed him, hung his body from a tree, and set it on fire. The sheer brutality of the crime has drawn sharp condemnation from human rights groups, civil society organisations, and observers worldwide.
The outrage deepened further after Bangladeshi media reported another alleged lynching of a Hindu youth. On Thursday, reports confirmed the killing of 29-year-old Amrit Mondal, who was reportedly attacked by a mob in the Hossaindanga area of Kalimohar Union late Wednesday night. These back-to-back incidents have intensified fears among minority communities and reinforced allegations of systemic failure in protecting religious minorities.
During Friday’s rally, leaders of the Bangladesh Jatiya Hindu Mahajote described the killings as deliberate acts of terror aimed at intimidating the Hindu population. They demanded the immediate arrest of all perpetrators and warned that continued inaction would embolden extremist forces further.
The protest rally was chaired by Dinabandhu Ray, President of the organisation, and conducted by Kishore Kumar Barman, Organising Secretary, in the presence of Gobindo Chandra Pramanik, Secretary General of the Bangladesh National Hindu Grand Alliance. Senior leaders and activists addressed the gathering, highlighting what they described as an alarming pattern of violence and impunity.
Advocate Pradip Pal, Executive President of the organisation, strongly criticised the failure of authorities to prevent mob violence and ensure justice. Sajib Kundu Tapu, President of the Bangladesh National Hindu Student Council, warned that young members of minority communities are increasingly becoming targets of radicalisation and false accusations. Speakers urged the government to conduct fast-track trials and ensure that no individual involved in the killings escapes punishment. The protestors concluded the rally with chants calling for justice and unity.
The issue also resonated beyond Bangladesh’s borders. In New Delhi, India’s Ministry of External Affairs expressed grave concern over the continuing violence against religious minorities in Bangladesh, including Hindus, Christians, and Buddhists. During a weekly media briefing on Friday, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India is closely monitoring developments and condemned the killing of the Hindu youth in Mymensingh.
Jaiswal stated that over 2,900 incidents of violence against minorities — including killings, arson attacks, and land seizures — have been documented during the tenure of the interim government. He emphasised that these incidents cannot be dismissed as media exaggeration or mere political violence and stressed the need for accountability.
India also rejected what it termed as a false anti-India narrative being projected in Bangladesh. The MEA reiterated that maintaining law and order and ensuring the safety of all citizens is the responsibility of the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government. Any attempt to deflect responsibility, Jaiswal said, is unacceptable.
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Bangladesh has witnessed a steady rise in attacks against minority communities in recent months, triggering international concern and condemnation from global human rights organisations. Activists warn that unless decisive action is taken against perpetrators, the cycle of violence will continue, further eroding trust in the justice system.
For Bangladesh’s Hindu community, the lynching of Dipu Chandra Das has become a symbol of their broader struggle for safety, dignity, and equal rights. Protesters have vowed to continue their movement until justice is delivered and strong legal measures are put in place to prevent future atrocities.
