Minorities are not safe: Bangladesh rights body sounds alarm after Dipu Das killing
A series of attacks on minorities in Bangladesh, including the killing of Hindu man Dipu Chandra Das in Mymensingh, has intensified concerns over safety, drawn sharp criticism of the interim government, and triggered protests in India, further straining ties between the two neighbours.
New Delhi: A fresh wave of violence against minorities in Bangladesh has renewed international concern, with the killing of a Hindu man in Mymensingh emerging as the most disturbing incident. The developments have not only shocked observers across borders but have also contributed to a deterioration in India-Bangladesh relations, after protests erupted in several parts of India earlier this week.
The victim, Dipu Chandra Das, was allegedly lynched by a mob, an incident that has since become emblematic of what minority groups describe as a rapidly worsening security environment in Bangladesh. Rights organisations and community leaders have warned that fear and uncertainty are spreading among minority populations amid what they see as an inadequate response from the authorities.
Alarm from minority rights body
Speaking to news agency ANI on Saturday, DN Chatterjee, presidium member of the Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council, issued a stark warning about the situation on the ground. "Everybody knows all over the world about the recent scenario in Bangladesh, especially the mishaps. At the national level, you have seen the damage to frontline media offices, the brutal killing of Dipu Chanda Das, and many more cases throughout the country,” Chatterjee said.
He described the overall law-and-order situation as deeply troubling and accused the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government of failing to act decisively. "The security situation in the country is highly dismal; it is terrible. The government is very inactive, and they are not taking proper cognisance of things. Everything is in disarray,” he told ANI.
Chatterjee further said minorities have been "exploited” and "oppressed” for decades, adding that their grievances have largely gone unheard. "If I assess the entire situation of minorities, the whole community is perturbed and afraid in all respects. They are in a panic situation,” he said.
Family recounts horror
Back in his home village, around 140 km from Dhaka, Dipu Chandra Das’ family continues to grieve. Speaking to NDTV, his father said the killing was linked to his son’s job. "My son was lucky in getting the job as they had a draw of lots. He was a BA Pass and also set for promotion. But some people who did not get jobs conspired to kill him,” he said.
According to the family, Dipu had received repeated threats. "They had threatened to kill him many times if he didn't give them jobs. How can he? These same people then went to the manager and probably bribed him. They spread rumours that Dipu Das committed blasphemy,” the father told NDTV.
‘You won’t find another man like him’
Remembering him as a compassionate and upright individual, Dipu Das’ elder brother said, "You won't find another man like him in this area.”
The killing has once again brought minority safety in Bangladesh under the spotlight, while also adding to diplomatic unease between Dhaka and New Delhi.