‘Acts of hatred and bigotry’: US condemns mob lynching of Bangladeshi Hindu, demands global action
The United States has strongly condemned the recent mob lynching of a Hindu man in Bangladesh, calling it an act of hatred and bigotry, and urged people worldwide to raise their voices against continued attacks on religious minorities.
New Delhi: The US State Department on Saturday strongly criticised the recent lynching of a Hindu man, Dipu Chandra Das, labelling the killing as an act of "bigotry”. Referring to the disturbing incident, Congressman Ro Khanna urged unequivocal condemnation of religious hatred.
The development comes more than a week after a 29-year-old garment worker was attacked by a mob, lynched, and his body set on fire over alleged blasphemy in Bangladesh’s Mymensingh district on December 18. Reports said a State Department spokesperson "unequivocally condemns religious violence in all its forms and urges the Yunus-led government to take necessary steps to ensure the safety of minorities.”
US urges people worldwide to raise their voices
The spokesperson added that the US consistently stands by "religious freedom and freedoms of expression, peaceful assembly, and association,” and further urged people to raise their voices against "these vile acts of hatred and bigotry.” The matter escalated after Bangladesh witnessed another mob lynching just a week later.
A 29-year-old man, Amrit Mondal alias Samrat, was allegedly thrashed to death by a group of locals in Bangladesh’s Rajbari district. The youth-led interim government in Bangladesh condemned the killing, though many claimed the incidents had political undertones—claims that Yunus dismissed.
Massive protests across the world
The frequent attacks on minorities in Bangladesh, particularly Hindus, have triggered criticism and protests across the globe. UK-based outfit, Bengali Hindu Adarsha Sangha (BHAS) organised a "Justice for Hindus” protest outside the Bangladeshi High Commission in London on Saturday, demanding international action. Protesters raised slogans against the "unethical arrest of interfaith voice Chinmaya Prabhu and the public lynching of Dipu Das by Islamic extremists.”
Several demonstrations were also held in major cities of Nepal, including Birgunj, Janakpurdham, and Golbazar, on Friday and Saturday. Protesters briefly blocked the East-West Highway, enforcing a temporary chakka jam (road blockade). Slogans such as "Stop the killing of Hindus,” "Ensure the security of minorities,” and "Respect human rights” were raised.
In India, protests were witnessed from Delhi to Kolkata, Bhopal, and Hyderabad. Members of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal gathered in large numbers outside the Bangladesh High Commission in Delhi and other missions across Bengal and several states last week.
Bangladesh faces a worsening situation
Bangladesh continues to grapple with rising communal tensions. Media houses and cultural organisations have reportedly been attacked following the killing of protest leader Osman Sharif Hadi. The Yunus-led government has been holding high-level meetings and making security preparations ahead of Christmas, New Year, and other festivities, as authorities attempt to maintain law and order amid ongoing political unrest.
Media outlets such as Prothom Alo and The Daily Star were among those attacked, drawing widespread condemnation and raising serious concerns over press freedom.