Dhaka witnessed a significant protest on Friday as The National Hindu Mahajot gathered at the National Press Club, voicing strong condemnation against the brutal killing of a Hindu man named Dipu Das and a series of alleged atrocities targeting the Hindu community in Bangladesh.
Second Lynching in a Week Sparks Outrage
The protest gained further urgency with news of another horrific incident. A Hindu man identified as Amrit Mondal was lynched over allegations of extortion. This killing occurred merely a week after another Hindu individual, Dipu Das, was lynched and his body set on fire in Mymensingh following accusations of blasphemy.
International Condemnation and Calls for Action
The North American Punjabi Association (NAPA) swiftly condemned the lynching of Amrit Mondal. NAPA's executive director, Satnam Singh Chahal, described the consecutive attacks as deeply disturbing, indicating a broader, alarming pattern of violence against religious minorities in Bangladesh.
"The killing of another Hindu man so soon after the murder of Dipu Chandra Das points to a growing climate of fear and intolerance," Chahal stated in an interview with PTI. He emphasized that these repeated attacks raise grave concerns about the safety, dignity, and fundamental human rights of Hindu minorities in the country.
NAPA has urgently called upon the Bangladesh government to conduct swift, transparent, and impartial investigations into both cases and ensure strict punishment for the perpetrators. The association stressed that mere condemnation is insufficient without concrete and decisive action on the ground to protect vulnerable communities.
Widespread Protests and a Pattern of Violence
The killing of Dipu Das had already triggered widespread demonstrations across Dhaka and other parts of Bangladesh, with factory workers, students, and various rights groups joining the protests. The Hindu community in Bangladesh has reportedly faced a series of attacks in recent months, with many observers noting a spike in such incidents particularly following the political changes in August last year, which saw the ouster of then Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
The situation highlights the escalating tensions and the pressing need for authorities to address the security concerns of minority populations effectively and restore a sense of justice and safety.
