New York: U.S. lawmakers have strongly condemned the killing of a Hindu man in Bangladesh, urging authorities to ensure accountability, protect religious minorities, and restore the rule of law amid growing concerns over communal violence.
Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi, an Illinois Democrat, denounced the targeted mob killing of Dipu Chandra Das, describing it as a disturbing act of violence occurring during a period of heightened instability and unrest in the country.
“I am appalled by the targeted mob killing of Dipu Chandra Das, a Hindu man in Bangladesh — an act of violence amid a period of dangerous instability,” Krishnamoorthi said in a statement. While acknowledging reports of arrests, he called on the Bangladeshi government to conduct a full and transparent investigation and to prosecute all those responsible.
“The government must also take urgent action to protect Hindu communities and other religious minorities from further violence. For the sake of all Bangladeshis, this unrest must end and the rule of law must be upheld,” he added.
New York State Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar also expressed deep concern over what she described as a continuing pattern of violence against Bangladesh’s Hindu minority. Referring to Das’s killing, she said the incident underscored the severity of religious persecution in the country.
“A mob beat him, set him ablaze, and left his body on a highway,” Rajkumar said, noting that authorities have reportedly arrested 12 individuals in connection with the crime. She described the killing as part of a broader and troubling trend of targeted attacks against religious minorities.
Citing data from the Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council, Rajkumar said the group documented 2,442 incidents of violence against minorities and the vandalism of more than 150 temples between August 2024 and July 2025.
“From Queens to communities across the globe, we share in the fear and pain faced by Hindus in Bangladesh,” she said. “We stand in solidarity with Bangladesh’s Hindu community and in defense of human rights and religious freedom worldwide.”
Das, a factory worker in the city of Mymensingh, was lynched on December 19 over allegations of blasphemy. His body was later set on fire. Authorities have confirmed that at least 12 people have been arrested in connection with the killing.
