Bangladesh police have apprehended a former madrasa teacher, identified as the main suspect in the brutal murder of a Hindu factory worker. The arrest marks a significant development in a case that has highlighted ongoing sectarian tensions and mob violence in the country.
Key Accused Captured After 12-Day Manhunt
On Wednesday, law enforcement officials in Dhaka Metropolitan Police, acting on intelligence, arrested Yasin Arafat in the Sarulia area under Demra police station's jurisdiction. The 25-year-old, son of Gazi Mia from South Hobirbari in Valuka, had been evading capture for 12 days following the December 18 killing of Dipu Chandra Das.
According to local media reports, Yasin Arafat is accused of leading the mob that attacked Dipu at his factory gate. He allegedly played a central role in the horrific incident, which involved dragging the victim's body to the Square Masterbari area in Mymensingh district and setting it ablaze.
False Identity and Links to Religious Institutions
Investigations reveal that the accused had been serving as an imam at the Shekhabari mosque and had taught at a madrasa for approximately 18 months. After the killing, he went into hiding, moving between various madrasas in Dhaka. In a bid to conceal his identity, he even secured a teaching position at the Suffa Madrasa using a fake name.
The arrest of Yasin Arafat brings the total number of individuals detained in connection with this case to 21. A local court has already recorded confessional statements from nine of the detainees, underscoring the gravity of the charges.
Background of Widespread Unrest and Minority Attacks
This arrest follows a prolonged period of violence in Bangladesh, the origins of which trace back to the killing of Sharif Osman Hadi. Hadi, a 32-year-old student leader, was a key figure in the August 2024 uprising that ultimately led to the exit of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina from the country.
Hadi's death triggered massive unrest across the nation, which included targeted attacks on religious minorities. Dipu Chandra Das, a Hindu worker, became a victim of this spiraling mob violence on the same day. He was killed over unsubstantiated allegations of blasphemy, a recurring trigger for communal violence in the region.
The case continues to develop as authorities work to bring all perpetrators to justice and address the underlying tensions that fuel such tragic incidents.
