Yunus govt pledges support for lynched Hindu worker’s family, says 'differences of belief can never excuse violence'

Yunus govt pledges support for lynched Hindu worker’s family

• Bangladesh pledges full support to lynched worker Dipu Chandra Das's family.
• Twelve arrested; investigators found no evidence of blasphemy allegations
• Govt stresses only state can deliver justice, condemns mob violence

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The Bangladesh interim government led by Muhammad Yunus has announced full financial and welfare support for the family of Hindu garment worker Dipu Chandra Das, who was lynched by a mob last week following allegations of blasphemy, according to PTI.

Education adviser C R Abrar met the family of the 25-year-old victim on Tuesday after consultations with Chief Adviser Yunus, conveying the government’s condolences and assurances of support. Abrar described the killing as a “brutal crime which has no excuse” and said the state would take responsibility for Das’ wife, child, and parents.

Das was beaten to death and set on fire on December 18 in Mymensingh amid unrest that followed the killing of Sharif Osman Hadi, a leader associated with the radical political platform Inqilab Mancha. The incident triggered protests across Bangladesh, with factory workers, students, and rights groups demonstrating in Dhaka and other cities. India also voiced concern over the violence.

Yunus’ press wing reiterated the government’s stance in a statement, saying, “allegations, rumours or differences of belief can never excuse violence, and no individual has the right to take the law into their own hands”. The statement added that the government remains committed to due process and that only the state has the authority to investigate offences and deliver justice.

According to officials, twelve people have been arrested in connection with the lynching so far. Das’ father, Rabi Chandra Das, demanded justice during the meeting with Abrar and spoke of the family’s distress following the killing.

Investigators have meanwhile raised doubts over the blasphemy claims that sparked the attack. Police and the Rapid Action Battalion said they have found no evidence to support allegations that Das insulted religion. Mymensingh Additional Superintendent of Police (Administration) Abdullah Al Mamun said the accusations were based solely on word of mouth, adding that investigators are also examining whether an internal dispute at the factory may have contributed to the killing.

The interim government said it would remain in close contact with the family in the coming days as investigations continue, reaffirming that the rule of law would prevail amid rising political tensions in the country.