Dhaka: Bangladesh police on Friday said they were unable to prevent the lynching of a Hindu garment worker, Dipu Chandra Das, as officers were “blocked by the crowd” and received information about the incident too late to intervene effectively.
Dipu, a worker at a local garment factory, was beaten to death by a mob in the Bhaluka area of Mymensingh district earlier this week following allegations of blasphemy. Police officials said the violence escalated rapidly after rumours spread among local residents.
Addressing media persons, a senior police official stated that law enforcement received the emergency call only after the situation had spiralled out of control. “By the time police units moved toward the location, the road was crowded and access was blocked by a large gathering,” the official said, adding that efforts were made to disperse the mob but Dipu had already sustained fatal injuries.
Investigators have so far found no direct evidence to substantiate claims that the victim made derogatory remarks about religion, officials said. The case is being investigated as a murder, and authorities have arrested multiple suspects in connection with the attack.
The incident has sparked widespread condemnation in Bangladesh and abroad, with rights groups and minority organisations calling for strict action against those involved and better protection for religious minorities. The interim government has reiterated a “zero tolerance” policy toward mob violence and said those responsible would be brought to justice.
Protests have also been reported in parts of India, where demonstrators expressed concern over the safety of minorities in Bangladesh. Security was tightened around Bangladeshi diplomatic missions following the unrest.
Police said investigations are ongoing and more arrests are likely as authorities review video footage and witness statements.
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