Awami League leader Tofazzel Ronu takes responsibility for family of Dipu Das

In a gesture of solidarity amid escalating concerns over minority safety in Bangladesh, Awami League South Korea branch Convener and Sheikh Hasina Sangram Parishad President Tofazzel Hossain Ronu has stepped forward to support the grieving family of Dipu Chandra Das, the Hindu garment factory worker who was brutally lynched last week.

Acting on direct instructions from Awami League President and five-time Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, a team of party workers visited the family on Tuesday, delivering cash assistance and pledging ongoing support for any needs they may have.

Dipu Das was dragged from his workplace in Mymensingh on December 18, beaten by a mob over unverified allegations of blasphemy against Islam, hanged from a tree, and set on fire. Despite initial rumours, authorities have found no evidence to substantiate the claims.

The incident has sparked widespread outrage, particularly in India and the West, where protests have erupted condemning the violence against Hindus in Bangladesh.

In the face of protests, 12 suspects have been arrested, but the case has highlighted deeper tensions, including accusations of police inaction and broader anti-Hindu and anti-India campaigns allegedly fueled by supporters of the jihadist-backed interim government under Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus.

Family’s Heartbreak and Call for Justice

Dipu Das’s family, left devastated by the loss of their sole breadwinner, has spoken out about their anguish and the circumstances surrounding his death.

In a phone conversation with Sheikh Hasina, Dipu Das’s mother expressed profound grief, saying: “Rani Apu [Sheikh Hasina] is in great pain. Speak from your heart. What more pain can I be in? At this age, instead of carrying my son’s body on my shoulders, my son is carrying mine. I’m taking my son’s body—how can I be? You know this well. If you were here, my son would have returned to my lap safely. Now you’re not here, and injustice and atrocities are being committed against our tribal Hindu community. Your life has no security now. What more can I say? I want proper justice.”

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Dipu Das’s brother, in an interview with journalists, recounted the harrowing sequence of events. He described receiving a call around 8am on the day of the incident informing them that Dipu Das had been detained. After visiting multiple police stations, they learned of his death at Valuka station.

“We went the next morning at 9am, and they handed over the body after some formalities. We brought it home by 6pm,” he said.

Denying the blasphemy allegations, he added: “We don’t believe that. He could never say such things.” He alleged a conspiracy, possibly linked to Dipu Das’s upcoming promotion, and criticised police for failing to protect him despite being present.

“Police were there. My brother begged them, holding their hands and feet to release him, but they didn’t. It was both outsiders and insiders involved, but we were at home and don’t know exactly.”

The family emphasised their financial dependence on Das, stating: “He was the only earner; we survived on his income.” Their primary demand: “We want proper justice.”

Sheikh Hasina’s Assurance and Condemnation

From exile, Sheikh Hasina reached out to the family, offering condolences and pledging support.

“I have no words to console you. I can only say that I, too, lost my father, mother, and brothers in one day. This time, there was a conspiracy to kill me and my younger sister Rehana; we survived by minutes,” she said. Assuring accountability, she continued, “Since we’re alive, there will definitely be justice—that I can say.”

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Sheikh Hasina described the killing as “inhuman” and “heinous,” noting, “They killed Dipu Das in such a horrific way—beaten brutally, then set on fire with feet tied. This is no humane act; it’s a grave sin, and they will face punishment for it.”

She also committed to financial and all forms of aid, telling the family: “I am by your side.”

Sheikh Hasina has accused the Yunus-led interim government of straining Bangladesh-India relations and failing to protect religious minorities, exacerbating anti-India sentiments.

RAB Officer’s Insights on the Investigation

Rapid Action Battalion (RAB)-14 Mymensingh commander Noyemul Hasan provided details on the probe, stating the incident began around 4 p.m. on December 18 when the factory floor in-charge forced Das to resign and handed him over to an agitated crowd instead of the police. “Why wasn’t he handed to the police, and why wasn’t his safety ensured? For that, we’ve arrested two involved factory workers,” Hasan said.

He described the blasphemy claim as “very vague,” adding: “What exactly he said—no one could specify despite our efforts. We’ll investigate any prior enmities. The altercation started on the floor during work, and he couldn’t be kept inside the factory. We’ve identified suspects from video footage and are working to uncover the full motive and arrest all involved. Interrogating them on remand will yield more information.”

Activists are demanding action against the on-duty officials of the Bhaluka police station for their inaction. In one video, a magistrate—flanked by army and police personnel—was seen assuring the mob of no action without proper investigation. The magistrate was also saying that they would investigate the crimes of Dipu Das.

Provocations Amid Anti-India and Anti-Hindu Campaigns

The lynching occurs against a backdrop of rising anti-Hindu violence and anti-India rhetoric, with critics alleging Yunus supporters are fanning these flames to derail upcoming elections and consolidate power among Islamists. Despite no evidence of blasphemy, extremists on social media have endorsed Dipu Das’ killing, posting videos advocating similar “punishments” for perceived offenses in the future. These provocations have intensified fears among minorities, with reports of targeted attacks on Hindus amid broader unrest.

For example, Jamaat-linked cleric Shyakh Ahmadullah has glorified the burning after lynching as a noble task as per the Shariah. Other hardline clerics also welcomed the lynching, citing references from the Quran.

Yunus’ office condemned the act as “heinous” and “unjustifiable,” with Education Adviser Professor C.R. Abrar visiting the family to offer condolences and assure justice. The government has arrested 12 individuals and pledged financial aid, reiterating its commitment to equal protection for all citizens regardless of religion. However, detractors, including on platforms like X (formerly Twitter), accuse the administration of inaction, with posts calling for international intervention and labelling the violence as “Hindu genocide” under Yunus’ watch.

Protests in India, including in New Delhi, have demanded stronger action, with demonstrators chanting against the torture of Hindus in Bangladesh. The incident has strained bilateral ties, with India summoning Bangladesh’s high commissioner. As investigations continue, the case underscores the urgent need for healing in a nation grappling with political transition and communal divides.