Hindu man lynched, set on fire in Bangladesh amid anti-India protests

December 19, 2025

Minorities increasingly targeted since Hasina’s ouster

Body dragged, tied to tree and set on fire by mob

A young Hindu man was brutally lynched and his body set on fire by an Islamist mob in Bangladesh’s Mymensingh district amid a wave of anti-India protests, once again exposing the country’s worsening security situation and the growing vulnerability of religious minorities under the interim dispensation.

The victim, identified as Dipu Chandra Das (30), was killed in Bhaluka Upazila on Thursday night after allegations that he had insulted Islam. According to Bangladeshi media reports, Das was beaten to death by a mob and his body was later dragged, tied to a tree, and set ablaze — a chilling act of mob justice that sparked widespread outrage.

Lynching follows allegations of blasphemy

Local media outlet Barta Bazar, citing eyewitnesses, reported that Das worked at the Pioneer Knit Composite Factory in the Square Masterbari area. He was accused of making derogatory remarks about Islam and Prophet Muhammad during an event held to mark World Arabic Language Day.

The allegation spread rapidly within the factory and surrounding areas, triggering mob mobilisation. Das was assaulted by a crowd and reportedly died on the spot.

What followed was even more disturbing. After his death, the mob allegedly took his body to the Square Masterbari bus stand, tied it to a tree, beat it while shouting slogans, and then set it on fire. The body was later moved to the Dhaka–Mymensingh highway and torched again, bringing traffic to a standstill and spreading panic among residents.

Authorities confirm killing, body in police custody

Confirming the incident, Bhaluka Upazila Executive Officer Md Firoz Hossain said a person had been killed over allegations of insulting the Prophet, adding that Das’s body was now in police custody.

The incident has once again raised serious questions about Bangladesh’s ability — or willingness — to protect minorities from mob violence driven by religious extremism.

Violence erupts amid anti-India protests

The lynching took place as Bangladesh witnessed violent protests following the death of Sharif Osman Hadi, a radical Islamist leader known for his virulent anti-India rhetoric. His death triggered unrest, arson and vandalism across multiple cities.

Protesters targeted leading media houses such as The Daily Star and Prothom Alo, and vandalised the already demolished structure at 32 Dhanmondi, the historic residence of Bangladesh’s founding father Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

Islamist groups have repeatedly accused these media outlets of being “pro-India” and have blamed Sheikh Mujib and his daughter, former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, for maintaining close ties with New Delhi.

Interim government condemns lynching, but doubts remain

The Muhammad Yunus-led interim government condemned the lynching, calling it unacceptable in a “new Bangladesh,” and promised strict action against those responsible.

“At this critical hour, we call upon every citizen to honour Shaheed Hadi by rejecting and resisting violence, incitement and hatred,” the government said in a statement.

However, critics point out that condemnations have done little to stem the steady rise in attacks on minorities since the ouster of Sheikh Hasina. Islamist groups such as Inqilab Moncho — which emerged after last year’s uprising — have openly promoted anti-India sentiment and radicalised street protests across the country.

Minorities under siege after Hasina’s ouster

Since Hasina fled to India following her removal from power, Bangladesh has seen a sharp increase in religious radicalism, with Hindus repeatedly targeted over blasphemy allegations, land disputes and political vendettas.

The lynching of Dipu Chandra Das adds to a growing list of violent attacks that underscore how mob rule and religious extremism are increasingly replacing the rule of law in Bangladesh.

For all the latest updates, download PGurus App.