WASHINGTON, Dec 22: A US Congressman condemned the mob lynching of a Hindu man in Bangladesh and called on authorities to protect religious minorities as the South Asian nation grapples with political unrest.
Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi, an Illinois Democrat, said Monday he was “appalled” by the targeted killing of Dipu Chandra Das amid what he described as dangerous instability in Bangladesh.
“The Government of Bangladesh must aggressively pursue a full and transparent investigation and prosecute all those responsible to the fullest extent of the law,” Krishnamoorthi said in a statement.
“It must also take urgent action to protect Hindu communities and other religious minorities from further violence.”
Bangladeshi authorities have arrested 10 people in connection with the killing of Das, 25, who was attacked by a mob over blasphemy allegations Thursday in Mymensingh city. The Rapid Action Battalion, a specialized law enforcement unit, arrested seven suspects, while police detained three others.
Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, who leads Bangladesh’s interim government, confirmed the arrests Saturday in a post on social media platform X and pledged a thorough investigation. The government has pledged a thorough investigation and promised to bring all perpetrators to justice.
Bangladesh, a Muslim-majority country with a significant Hindu minority, has a history of sporadic communal violence. Allegations of blasphemy often trigger intense public backlash, sometimes culminating in mob violence.
Das was beaten by a mob and his body was set on fire, according to local reports. The incident has sparked widespread condemnation and raised concerns about the safety of minorities in the Muslim-majority country.
The killing occurred during a period of heightened tensions following the death of youth leader Sharif Osman Hadi, which triggered anti-India protests across Bangladesh. Sharif Osman Hadi, convenor of the student activist group Inqilab Moncho and a parliamentary candidate for the upcoming February 2026 national elections, passed away on December 18, 2025, in Singapore. He had been receiving treatment for gunshot wounds sustained during an attack in Dhaka.
Hadi’s funeral prayer service was held in Bangladesh on Saturday, drawing a large crowd of mourners paying their respects. As per the family’s wishes, he was laid to rest beside the grave of national poet Kazi Nazrul Islam.
Hadi had announced plans to contest the Dhaka-8 seat as an independent candidate. On December 12, he was shot at close range while travelling by rickshaw in the Bijoynagar area of the capital. Police said two assailants on a motorcycle opened fire and then fled the scene.
Indian political leaders, including Congress party member Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, have expressed concern and urged their government to address minority safety with Bangladeshi authorities.
Bangladesh has experienced sporadic communal violence, with blasphemy allegations sometimes leading to mob attacks. The country’s significant Hindu minority represents about 8% of the population.
The arrested suspects include Md. Limon Sarkar, 19; Md. Tarek Hossain, 19; Md. Manik Mia, 20; Ershad Ali, 39; Nijum Uddin, 20; Alomgir Hossain, 38; Md. Miraj Hossain Akon, 46; Md. Azmol Hasan Sagir, 26; Md. Shahin Mia, 19; and Md. Nazmul, whose age was not provided.
Krishnamoorthi said the unrest must end and the rule of law must be upheld “for the sake of all Bangladeshis.”
(UNI)
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