The Bangladesh government has announced housing and financial assistance for the family of Dipu Chandra Das, a young Hindu man who was lynched in Mymensingh district last December
The Bangladesh government has announced housing and financial assistance for the family of Dipu Chandra Das, a young Hindu man who was lynched in Mymensingh district in December last year, even as recent incidents have renewed concerns over the security of religious minorities ahead of national elections.
Dipu Chandra Das was beaten and burned to death on December 18, 2025, in the Square Masterbari area of Bhaluka Upazila. Media reports at the time said he was allegedly hanged from a tree and set on fire by a mob after being accused of making defamatory remarks. The killing was widely described as an act of communal violence and sparked condemnation within Bangladesh and abroad.
On December 23, 2025, Education Adviser C R Abrar visited Das’s family at their home in Mokamiakanda village under Banihala Union in Tarakanda Upazila, acting on the advice of the Chief Adviser, and conveyed the government’s condolences.
As Das was the sole breadwinner of his family, authorities have announced a compensation package aimed at ensuring their long-term financial security. The assistance includes the construction of a permanent house and direct financial support for family members.
According to a MoneyControl report, citing official statements, the programme will be implemented under the supervision of the Upazila Nirbahi Officer of Tarakanda.
The National Housing Authority has approved an allocation of BDT 2.5 million for the construction of the house. In addition, the government will provide BDT 1 million each to Das’s father and wife, as well as a fixed deposit of BDT 500,000 for the future of his child, added the report.
The announcement comes amid growing scrutiny of minority rights and communal safety in Bangladesh as the country approaches elections.
Compensation announced, questions remain
As Dipu Chandra Das was the sole breadwinner of his family, the government has announced a compensation package aimed at ensuring their financial security. The assistance includes the construction of a permanent house and direct monetary support.
Officials said the programme will be implemented under the supervision of the Upazila Nirbahi Officer of Tarakanda. The National Housing Authority has approved BDT 2.5 million for house construction, while BDT 1 million each will be given to Das’s father and wife. A fixed deposit of BDT 500,000 will also be created for his child’s future.
Speaking on Tuesday, Education Adviser C R Abrar described the killing as “a heinous crime” and said it had “no place in our society.”
“The efforts the government has made to assist his family are nothing compared to a life lost,” he said, adding that the state would ensure justice. “The way Dipu Das was murdered by spreading communal frenzy is a shame for the entire nation. Only justice can free us from this shame.”
Abrar said the state respects freedom of expression for all communities but stressed that no individual has the right to take the law into their own hands.
Pattern of minority violence persists
Despite the announcement, critics say compensation cannot substitute for systemic failures to protect minorities. The move comes amid continued reports of attacks on Hindus, raising concerns that authorities are responding after the fact rather than preventing violence.
In a separate incident, another Hindu businessman, Sushen Chandra Shekhar, was stabbed to death inside his shop in the Trishal area of Mymensingh district. The 62-year-old rice trader was attacked late at night by unidentified assailants, who fled after pulling down the shop’s shutter. Police said the motive remains unclear.
Rights groups say such incidents reflect a broader climate of fear, particularly during politically sensitive periods. Advocacy organisations report that dozens of Hindus have been killed in recent months, with hundreds more alleging attacks on homes, businesses and places of worship.
Arrests made, but trust still low
Abrar said 12 people directly involved in the killing of have been arrested and that the investigation is ongoing. He said all those responsible would be prosecuted.
However, minority groups and civil society activists remain sceptical, arguing that arrests and compensation have failed to deter repeat violence.
As Bangladesh heads toward elections, the killings of Dipu Chandra Das and Sushen Chandra Shekhar have reinforced fears that minorities remain vulnerable despite official assurances.
With inputs from agencies
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