Daijiworld Media Network - Dhaka
Dhaka, Dec 19: A fresh incident of mob violence has intensified concerns over the safety of religious minorities in Bangladesh after a Hindu factory worker was killed in Bhaluka Upazila of Mymensingh district following allegations of religious insult, according to local media reports.
The incident, which occurred on Thursday night, led to serious unrest in the area and forced a temporary suspension of traffic along the busy Dhaka–Mymensingh highway.
The violence reportedly took place at the Pioneer Knit Composite Factory in the Square Masterbari area. The victim, 30-year-old Dipu Chandra Das, was an employee at the factory and hailed from Tarakanda upazila in Mymensingh.
Bangladeshi Bengali news outlet Barta Bazar, citing eyewitnesses and local sources, reported that Dipu was accused of making offensive remarks about Islam and Prophet Muhammad during a programme held at the factory to observe World Arabic Language Day. The allegation quickly spread among workers and nearby locals, escalating tensions.
According to reports, an enraged crowd assaulted Dipu, resulting in his death at the scene. The situation further deteriorated afterward, as the mob moved his body to nearby public locations, leading to widespread panic and disruption in the area, including on the national highway.
Bhaluka Upazila executive officer Md. Firoz Hossain confirmed the death, stating that the incident stemmed from allegations of insulting the Prophet. He added that the body has since been taken into police custody.
The killing drew strong condemnation from political figures. Former Bangladesh minister and Awami League leader Mohammad Ali Arafat denounced the incident, claiming it reflects a growing trend toward radicalism under the interim government led by Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus.
The development comes amid rising diplomatic concern. On Wednesday, India’s Ministry of External Affairs summoned Bangladesh’s High Commissioner to New Delhi, Riaz Hamidullah, to express serious apprehension over the worsening security situation in Bangladesh.
In recent months, Bangladesh has seen a noticeable rise in attacks on minority communities, particularly Hindus, during the tenure of the Yunus-led interim administration. These incidents have triggered widespread criticism from citizens, civil society groups, and international human rights organisations.