Bangladesh has been gripped by a fresh wave of communal and political violence following the death of prominent youth leader Sharif Osman Hadi. In a shocking incident that has drawn international concern, a 27-year-old Hindu man, Dipu Chandra Das, was lynched and set on fire by a mob in the Bhaluka Upazila of Mymensingh district on Thursday night.
The Horrific Incident: A Father’s Grief
Dipu Chandra Das, a factory worker and the sole breadwinner for his family, was targeted over alleged blasphemy—accusations that his family and several activists claim were fabricated following a trivial dispute with a co-worker.
His father, Ravilal Das, recounted the harrowing moments to the media:
- The Attack: Dipu was intercepted by a mob outside his factory, brutally beaten, and then tied to a tree.
- The Brutality: The mob reportedly poured kerosene over him and set him on fire. His charred body was later discovered near the Dhaka-Mymensingh highway.
- Family Dispair: Ravilal expressed utter hopelessness, stating the family learned of the tragedy through Facebook and has received no direct assurance or visit from government officials.
Government Action: 7 Suspects Detained
Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus confirmed on Saturday, December 20, 2025, that the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) has arrested seven individuals in connection with the lynching.
The arrested suspects are:
- Md. Limon Sarkar (19)
- Md. Tarek Hossain (19)
- Md. Manik Mia (20)
- Ershad Ali (39)
- Nijum Uddin (20)
- Alomgir Hossain (38)
- Md. Miraj Hossain Akon (46)
The administration issued a stern warning: “There is no place for such violence in the new Bangladesh. No one involved in this brutal crime will be spared.”
Context: The Death of Sharif Osman Hadi
The lynching occurred against the backdrop of nationwide volatility sparked by the assassination of Sharif Osman Hadi, the spokesperson for the Inqilab Moncho (Platform for Revolution).
- The Assassination: Hadi was shot in the head by masked gunmen in Dhaka on December 12 while launching his election campaign.
- The Aftermath: He succumbed to his injuries in a Singapore hospital on Thursday, December 18.
- Escalating Unrest: His death triggered mass protests with strong anti-India overtones, leading to:
- Arson attacks on the offices of major newspapers like The Daily Star and Prothom Alo.
- Protesters marching toward Indian diplomatic missions in Dhaka, Chittagong, and Rajshahi.
- Heightened security at the Indian High Commission after New Delhi summoned Bangladesh’s envoy to protest the “deteriorating security environment.”
Diplomatic Fallout
India has registered a strong protest regarding the safety of its missions and the Hindu minority in Bangladesh. External Affairs Ministry officials have urged the interim government to ensure internal law and order as the country prepares for national elections scheduled for February 12, 2026.