Protests condemning violence against Hindus erupted in Kolkata, Mumbai, Delhi, and Hyderabad after Dipu Chandra Das, a factory worker from Mymensingh, was allegedly beaten to death by a mob over blasphemy accusations, with his body tied to a tree, set ablaze, and left on the Dhaka-Mymensingh highway, halting traffic and sparking outrage among minorities.
Bangladesh witnessed counter-unrest from Inqilab Moncho over Sharif Osman Hadi’s shooting on December 12 and death in Singapore on December 18, tied to the uprising against Sheikh Hasina; this prompted India to summon High Commissioner Riaz Hamidullah after Bangladesh called in Pranay Verma over mission security fears.
Bangladesh’s interim government under Muhammad Yunus condemned the “heinous” act, arrested 10 suspects, found no blasphemy evidence, pledged a speedy trial under the 2002 Act, family aid, and rule-of-law commitment, while India’s MEA demanded justice; protesters burnt effigies and raised infiltration concerns.
Dipu Chandra Das’ killing ignites nationwide outrage
The incident unfolded on December 18 when a mob accused Dipu Chandra Das of blasphemy, subjecting him to a savage beating before torching his remains, reigniting deep-seated fears for Hindu safety in Bangladesh post the political upheaval that ousted Sheikh Hasina.
Das’s father, Ravilal Das, shared his anguish in interviews, describing the family’s initial lack of direct government reassurance amid the horror, as the body lay abandoned, drawing national attention in India.
In Kolkata, members of Bangiyo Hindu Jagran and other groups rallied near the Bangladesh Deputy High Commission to submit a memorandum, but escalating crowds led to police lathi charges to avert a breach of order.
Mumbai saw Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) activists detained during demonstrations, while in Delhi, heavy security detained VHP members and others near the High Commission after they pushed barricades, chanted slogans, and attempted entry, with protesters transported in police buses.
Hyderabad’s Kothapet protests, led by VHP, featured warnings from national spokesperson Shashidhar about Bangladeshi infiltrators and Rohingyas, demanding state action on minority safety or facing intensified agitation.
Diplomatic row and Bangladesh’s dual unrest
Tensions peaked diplomatically as Bangladesh expressed “grave concern” over its missions’ security, suspending visa and consular services in New Delhi and Agartala, prompting India’s retaliation by summoning High Commissioner Riaz Hamidullah.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal underscored the “barbaric killing,” urging Bangladesh to ensure minority protections and hold perpetrators accountable. In Dhaka, Inqilab Moncho linked to the July uprising held rallies demanding justice for Hadi, a potential Dhaka-8 election candidate, declaring a national mourning day on December 20 and threatening mass movements if unaddressed before February 2026 polls.
Yunus responded firmly on X via @ChiefAdviserGoB: “The Office of the Chief Adviser expresses profound sorrow… This killing was a heinous criminal act with no justification… Law enforcement has arrested 12 individuals; investigations continue with full force of the law,” reaffirming equal protection for all citizens and rejecting vigilante violence.
Law Adviser Asif Nazrul announced transfer to a Speedy Trial Tribunal for resolution within 90 days, while Home Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury confirmed arrests including relatives of prime accused Faisal Karim Masud, prioritising the case. Protesters across India amplified anger by burning effigies of Yunus and Bangladesh’s flag, directing fury at the interim administration.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
Such cycles of violence Dipu Chandra Das’s mob lynching and Sharif Osman Hadi’s targeted assassination expose the fragility of communal bonds in South Asia, where grief swiftly morphs into division without vigilant leadership.
The Logical Indian advocates unyieldingly for peace, empathy, kindness, and harmonious coexistence, imploring India and Bangladesh to channel outrage into constructive dialogue, robust minority safeguards, expedited justice, and collaborative efforts against extremism and infiltration narratives that fuel mistrust. By prioritising humanity over retribution, both nations can nurture shared prosperity and stability.
