Members of the Assam Bengali Parishad staged a strong protest in Assam's Tinsukia district on Monday, expressing outrage over the brutal lynching of a Hindu garment factory worker in neighbouring Bangladesh. The demonstration was a direct response to the killing of Dipu Chandra Das in Mymensingh on December 16.
Protesters Demand Justice and Condemn Extremism
The protesters gathered at a central location in Tinsukia's Thana Chariali area, where they raised slogans vehemently condemning religious extremism. Their primary demand was justice for Dipu Chandra Das. The participants held placards and banners that called for the safety and security of the Hindu community in Bangladesh. They also urged the Indian government to take up the matter with Dhaka at the diplomatic level to ensure such incidents are prevented in the future.
Symbolic Effigy Burning Sends a Strong Message
In a powerful symbolic act, the demonstrators burnt an effigy of Muhammad Yunus, the Chief Adviser of Bangladesh's interim administration. This act was intended to highlight their accusation that the Bangladeshi authorities have failed in their duty to protect minority communities and control mob violence. The protesters stated that the burning was an expression of their deep anger and frustration over what they see as governmental inaction.
Leaders Decry Attack on Humanity
Speaking to the media, a leader of the Assam Bengali Parishad framed the incident as an assault on fundamental human values. "The brutal lynching of Dipu Chandra Das is not just an attack on one individual, it is an attack on humanity and on the Hindu community in Bangladesh," the leader said. The group demanded a fair and swift investigation into the case, strict punishment for all those responsible, and concrete, actionable measures from the Bangladeshi government to guarantee the non-repetition of such violence.
Another protester, a woman, explained the rationale behind the effigy burning. "By burning the effigy of Muhammad Yunus, we want to send a clear message that mere statements are not enough. Minorities must feel safe on the ground," she asserted. She further made an appeal to international human rights organizations to take serious note of the incident and exert pressure on the Bangladeshi government to uphold its obligations towards protecting all its citizens.
The protest in Tinsukia underscores the growing concern and solidarity among communities in Assam regarding the safety of religious minorities in Bangladesh. It reflects a demand for tangible action over diplomatic platitudes, pushing for a world where such mob-driven tragedies become a thing of the past.
