Seven arrested in Bangladesh for lynching Hindu youth over blasphemy claims

Dhaka, Dec 2025 : Bangladesh interim government’s Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus on Saturday announced that seven people have been arrested in connection with the brutal mob killing of Hindu youth Dipu Chandra Das, who was accused of blasphemy.

Yunus, in a post on X, confirmed that the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) detained the individuals suspected of involvement in Dipu’s murder. The arrested men have been identified as Limon Sarkar, Tarek Hossain, Manik Mia, Ershad Ali, Nijum Uddin, Alomgir Hossain and Miraj Hossain Akon.

According to Yunus, RAB-14 carried out operations at multiple locations to trace and arrest the suspects.

The incident occurred on Thursday night at the Pioneer Knit Composite Factory in the Square Masterbari area of Bhaluka upazila in Mymensingh district.

Dipu, aged 30, worked at the factory and was a resident of Tarakanda upazila in the same district.

Local media reports, including Bangladeshi outlet Barta Bazar, said Dipu was accused of making derogatory remarks about Islam and Prophet Muhammad during an event organised in the factory for World Arabic Language Day. The allegations quickly spread among workers and within the neighbourhood, triggering unrest.

Eyewitness accounts suggest Dipu was assaulted by a mob that had gathered in response to the accusations. He was severely beaten and died on the spot.

Reports indicate the violence continued even after his death. The mob allegedly moved his body to Square Masterbari bus stand, tied it to a tree and continued to beat it while shouting slogans. It was later set on fire, according to witnesses.

Confirming the incident, Bhaluka Upazila Executive Officer Md. Firoz Hossain said Dipu was killed after accusations of insulting the Prophet surfaced. He added that the victim’s body is currently in police custody.

The killing has drawn strong political reaction. Former minister and Awami League leader Mohammad Ali Arafat condemned the brutality and blamed the interim government, saying Bangladesh is drifting toward radicalism under Chief Advisor Yunus’s leadership.

Human rights concerns have grown as Bangladesh has seen rising violence against minority communities, particularly Hindus, in recent months. The killing of Dipu has sparked anger and concern both domestically and internationally, with activists urging authorities to ensure justice and protect vulnerable communities.

The investigation into Dipu’s death continues, with further arrests possible as RAB and police review evidence and testimonies surrounding the tragic incident.