The mob killing that has recently “shocked the world” amid election-related violence in Bangladesh is the brutal lynching of Dipu Chandra Das, a 27-year-old Hindu garment worker.
The incident occurred on 18 December 2025 in the Mymensingh district, approximately two months before the national elections held on 12 February 2026.
Dipu Chandra Das was a junior quality inspector at the Pioneer Knitwear factory in Bhaluka. He was falsely accused of blasphemy (insulting the Prophet Muhammad) following a casual workplace conversation.
An angry mob of more than 1,000 people stormed the factory, dragged him out, and beat him to death. His body was then tied to a tree on a busy highway and set on fire in front of hundreds of onlookers.
The lynching took place during a period of intense national unrest following the death of student leader Sharif Osman Hadi, which sparked widespread riots and anti-India sentiment.
The brutality of the act, captured in widely circulated videos, sparked international condemnation from the United States State Department and the Indian government.
As of February 2026, the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus has provided 2.5 million taka ($21,000) in compensation to Das’s family and announced funding to build them a new home.
Police have arrested 22 people in connection with the murder, including factory managers and a local imam.
By Anthony Solly
