AFERMB Condemns Brutal Mob Killing of Hindu Worker Dipu Das, Calls for Justice and Protection of Minorities in Bangladesh

Melbourne 22 December: The Australian Federation for Ethnic and Religious Minorities in Bangladesh (AFERMB) strongly condemns the brutal extrajudicial killing of Dipu Das, a 25-year-old factory worker and member of Bangladesh’s Hindu minority community. Mr. Das was falsely accused of blasphemy through a fabricated claim that was circulated on social media, alleging that he had hurt religious sentiments. This accusation led to a violent mob attack in his hometown in the greater Mymensingh district of northern Bangladesh. According to reports, Dipu Das was lynched and beaten to death by an extremist mob, later his body was hung on a tree and set on fire.

AFERMB Raises Alarm Over Minority Safety Following Killing of Dipu Das

This heinous act represents a complete disregard for human life, the rule of law, and basic human dignity. Such violence cannot be justified under any religion and reflects the actions of those who exploit religious sentiment to incite hatred and brutality. As a member of a religious minority, Dipu Das was left defenseless against mob violence. His killing has sent shockwaves through minority communities across Bangladesh, deepening fear, insecurity, and mistrust. This incident has further intensified the sense of vulnerability already felt by religious and ethnic minorities, including Hindus, Buddhists, Christians, Ahmadiyya Muslims, Indigenous peoples, and other marginalized groups. The situation facing minorities in Bangladesh remains grave. Since 5 August 2024, incidents of persecution, displacement, intimidation, and systemic discrimination have continued to rise.

AFERMB urges civil society organizations and the international community, particularly Australia with its longstanding commitment to human rights, to take a leading role in advocating for the protection of vulnerable communities and the promotion of justice and equality in Bangladesh. AFERMB calls on the current interim government of Bangladesh to conduct an impartial investigation, identify all perpetrators, and ensure they are brought to justice without delay. As the interim government has all the powers and jurisdictions, like an elected government, we urge the government to step up and reinforce the necessary laws. We also urge the government to provide adequate compensation to the victim’s family and to take concrete measures to reassure religious and ethnic minorities, as well as their families abroad, that such acts of violence will not be tolerated in the future.

Finally, AFERMB emphasizes that lasting safety and security for minorities in Bangladesh can only be achieved through the restoration of democratic governance. A constitutionally elected government, formed through a free, fair, participatory, and inclusive general election, is essential to restoring public confidence and ensuring equal protection for all citizens.

Press Release