Hindu Worker Lynched Over Blasphemy Allegations Highlights Growing Persecution in Bangladesh

Dhaka.  Twenty-seven-year-old Hindu garment worker Dipu Chandra Das was beaten to death, his body hung from a tree, and set on fire in December after some of his Muslim colleagues accused him of making derogatory remarks about the Prophet Muhammad. This incident drew a violent mob to his workplace.

Hindus across Bangladesh watched the photos recorded on their phones with fear. Protesters demonstrated in Dhaka and other cities, demanding justice and security. The interim government led by Muhammad Yunus ordered an investigation, and police arrested about a dozen individuals.

However, according to human rights groups and Hindu leaders, the killing is not an isolated incident but part of a broader assault on the minority community linked to growing polarization, the resurgence of Islamists, and a culture of impunity. Fear among Hindus is even more widespread as the national election scheduled for February 12 approaches.

Ranjan Karmakar, a Hindu human rights activist based in Dhaka, said, “No one feels safe now. Everyone is scared.”  Hindus constitute only about 13.1 million, or eight percent, of Bangladesh's total population of 170 million.

Muslims make up 91 percent of the population. The Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council has registered over 2,000 incidents of communal violence since the 2024 upheaval, including 61 killings, violence against women, and attacks and vandalism on places of worship.

According to human rights activist Karmakar, Hindus are often viewed as a vote bank for one side, which increases their vulnerability. “Those involved in violence have not been brought under the law, nor held accountable in the justice system. This creates the perception that violence will continue,” he said.

Attacks on Hindus have increased with the resurgence of Jamaat-e-Islami, the largest Islamist party, and its student wing. The party views this as an opportunity to regain influence in the elections. It organized public rallies and nominated candidates from the Hindu community.

According to political analyst Altaf Parvez, such steps are largely symbolic and aim to influence minority voters. Organized attacks in rural areas pose a threat of reducing minority participation in the upcoming elections.

The attacks on Hindus have also heightened tensions with neighboring India. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs has accused Bangladesh of downplaying repeated attacks on Hindus. This has affected diplomatic and sporting events.

Dipu Chandra Das's murder has caused deep pain to his family. His father said, “My chest felt like it would burst looking at the pictures on the phone.” His mother, Shefali Rani Das, said, “My son was beaten, hung, and burned. I seek justice.”