Seven Arrested After Hindu Man Lynched in Bangladesh’s Mymensingh Amid Unrest

At least seven people have been arrested in connection with the lynching of a Hindu man in Bangladesh’s Mymensingh district, as the country witnessed violent protests following the death of a student political leader.

Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus said the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) detained seven suspects after conducting operations at multiple locations. The arrested individuals were identified as Md Limon Sarkar, Md Tarek Hossain, Md Manik Mia, Ershad Ali, Nijum Uddin, Alomgir Hossain and Md Miraj Hossain Akon.

The victim, Dipu Chandra Das, a garment factory worker, was killed by a mob in the Bhaluka area of Mymensingh over allegations of blasphemy. Police said he was tied up and beaten to death before his body was set on fire.

“On Thursday around 9 pm, an enraged crowd detained him, accusing him of making derogatory remarks about the Prophet. He was beaten to death and the body was later set ablaze,” Bhaluka police duty officer Ripon Mia told an international news channel.

The killing has triggered outrage among minority communities in Bangladesh and drawn reactions from political circles in neighbouring India. Rights groups have expressed concern over the security of religious minorities following last year’s political upheaval that led to the removal of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina. Several attacks on members of the Hindu community have been reported since the interim administration took charge.

In a statement on Friday, the interim government condemned the killing, saying there was no place for mob violence in Bangladesh. It added that those responsible would be brought to justice.

The Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council also condemned the incident and called for swift arrests and exemplary punishment for those involved.

The lynching occurred against the backdrop of growing unrest after the death of Inqilab Mancha leader Sharif Osman Hadi. Protests erupted across the country, with mobs targeting media houses including The Daily Star and Prothom Alo. Demonstrators also vandalised the partially demolished residence of Bangladesh’s founding leader Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.