What Happened to the Hindu Man Lynched in Mymensingh, Bangladesh?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Young Hindu man lynched in Mymensingh over blasphemy allegations.
- The mob set his body ablaze, causing panic in the community.
- Authorities confirmed the incident, with the body in police custody.
- Former officials condemn the rising radicalism in Bangladesh.
- Calls for international concern over minority safety in the country.
Dhaka, Dec 19 (NationPress) In a deeply troubling episode of violence against minority communities in Bangladesh, a young Hindu man was brutally killed by a mob in the Bhaluka Upazila of Mymensingh district over accusations of insulting Islam. His body was later set on fire, as reported by local media.
This heinous act has escalated tensions in the region, leading to a temporary closure of the Dhaka-Mymensingh highway.
The violent incident unfolded on Thursday night at the Pioneer Knit Composite Factory located in the Square Masterbari area of the upazila.
The victim, named Dipu Chandra Das, was a 30-year-old factory worker and a resident of Tarakanda upazila in Mymensingh.
According to local sources and eyewitnesses, the Bangladeshi Bengali media outlet Barta Bazar reported that Dipu was accused of making offensive remarks regarding Islam and Prophet Muhammad during a gathering at the factory commemorating World Arabic Language Day. The accusations quickly spread throughout the factory and nearby areas, inciting outrage. He was subsequently attacked by an enraged mob, which ultimately led to his death.
Following his death, the situation turned horrific, with the crowd dragging his body to the Square Masterbari bus stand. They tied it to a tree, beat it while chanting various slogans, and eventually set it ablaze. The mob then moved his remains to the Dhaka-Mymensingh highway, where they burned it again, causing traffic disruptions and instilling fear among local residents.
Confirming the tragic event, Bhaluka Upazila Executive Officer, Md. Firoz Hossain, stated that a person was killed due to allegations of insulting the Prophet, noting that the deceased's body is currently in police custody.
In response, former Bangladesh Minister and Awami League leader Mohammad Ali Arafat condemned the violent act, warning that Bangladesh is increasingly moving towards radicalism under the leadership of interim government Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus.
Earlier, on Wednesday, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) summoned the Bangladesh High Commissioner to India, Riaz Hamidullah, to express New Delhi's strong concerns regarding the deteriorating security climate in Bangladesh.
Violence against minorities, particularly Hindus, has surged in Bangladesh under the Yunus-led interim administration, prompting outrage among citizens and various human rights organizations worldwide.