India Raises Concerns Over Lynching of Hindu Man in Bangladesh

India's Ministry of External Affairs has voiced serious concern regarding the situation facing religious minorities in Bangladesh, particularly following the lynching of a Hindu man named Dipu Chandra Das. The incident occurred amidst widespread unrest in the country, which has raised alarm over the safety of minority communities.

Spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs, Randhir Jaiswal, stated, "India continues to keep a close watch on the evolving situation in Bangladesh." He emphasised that Indian officials are in contact with their Bangladeshi counterparts to express their apprehensions about the increasing violence against minority groups. Jaiswal further urged the Bangladeshi government to ensure that those responsible for Das's brutal killing are brought to justice.

Dipu Chandra Das, aged between 25 and 27, was a garment factory worker and the primary provider for his family. He was brutally attacked on the night of 18 December in Bhaluka, located in the Mymensingh district. Following a dispute at work that led to accusations of blasphemy, he was assaulted by a mob. Reports indicate that his body was tied to a tree and subsequently set on fire. This tragic event unfolded during a period of unrest that had been ignited by the death of Sharif Osman Hadi, a prominent anti-India politician, who died from gunshot wounds in Singapore.

In response to the lynching, Bangladesh's interim government, headed by Muhammad Yunus, has condemned the violence and announced the arrest of individuals involved. Initially, seven arrests were made, which later increased to ten, carried out by the Rapid Action Battalion. The incident has reignited fears concerning the safety of Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh, especially since the political upheaval that resulted in the removal of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina last year.

On 20 December, a small demonstration took place outside the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi, where a group of approximately 20-25 protesters voiced their outrage over Das's killing and called for enhanced protection for minorities. In light of this, India's foreign ministry spokesperson reaffirmed that no attack on the Bangladesh mission occurred during the protests and labelled certain reports from Bangladeshi media as "misleading propaganda." Jaiswal clarified, "There was no attempt to breach the fence or create a security situation at any time. The police stationed at the spot dispersed the group after a few minutes. Visual evidence of these events is available publicly for all to see."

The recent unrest in Bangladesh has also seen attacks on Indian diplomatic locations, including stone-throwing incidents at the Assistant High Commission in Chittagong. In response to these events, India has decided to suspend visa operations at its centre in the port city until further notice.

Interestingly, the Yunus government has not issued a public statement regarding the protests near Indian diplomatic missions or the incidents in Chittagong. However, India has quickly reassured Dhaka concerning the brief demonstration in New Delhi, citing its obligations under the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.