US Raises Concerns Over Minority Safety in Bangladesh After Lynching of Hindu Worker

US lawmakers have strongly condemned the brutal lynching of Dipu Chandra Das, a Hindu garment worker in Bangladesh, amid growing international alarm over escalating violence against religious minorities in the country.

Das, a 27-year-old factory worker from Mymensingh, was lynched to death on December 19 by an Islamist mob over allegations of blasphemy. According to reports, his body was tied to a tree and set on fire. Bangladeshi authorities have arrested at least 12 individuals in connection with the killing.

US Congressman Ro Khanna described the murder as “horrific” and extended his condolences to the victim’s family and friends. In a post on X, Khanna said such acts of hatred and bigotry must be unequivocally condemned, adding that the international community has a responsibility to speak out against religiously motivated violence.

“The killing of Dipu Chandra Das, a 27-year-old Hindu garment worker in Bangladesh is horrific, and my thoughts and prayers are with his friends and family. We must unequivocally condemn and speak out against these vile acts of hatred and bigotry,” Khanna wrote.

US Congressman Shri Thanedar also denounced the killing, emphasizing that freedom of speech and religion are fundamental human rights that must be protected everywhere.

“The brutal lynching of Mr. Das, and the ongoing atrocities in Bangladesh, are completely unacceptable. The government must uphold the rule of law and protect minority rights. Authorities must act decisively to stop this senseless violence and ensure that everyone can practice their faith without fear,” Thanedar said.

US Representative Suhas Subramanyam expressed deep concern over the incident, calling the killing appalling and unacceptable. He urged authorities to conduct a thorough investigation and ensure accountability.

The Virginia Democrat noted that the incident appeared to be part of a broader pattern of attacks against religious minorities that have intensified since the Muhammad Yunus-led government assumed power.

“Since the recent change in government, reports of attacks on Hindu and other minority communities have increased, including attacks on homes and temples,” Subramanyam said, adding that he remains committed to promoting stability and protecting minority rights in Bangladesh and globally.

Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi also condemned the killing, describing it as occurring during a period of rising instability and unrest in Bangladesh. He called on Bangladeshi authorities to conduct a full and transparent investigation and to prosecute all those responsible.

“I am appalled by the targeted mob killing of Dipu Chandra Das, a Hindu man in Bangladesh—an act of violence amid dangerous instability and unrest,” Krishnamoorthi said, according to PTI. He stressed the urgent need for the government to protect Hindu communities and other religious minorities and to uphold the rule of law.

New York State Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar echoed these concerns, describing the lynching as part of a wider pattern of religious persecution in Bangladesh.

Citing data from the Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council, Rajkumar said thousands of incidents of violence against minorities and widespread temple vandalism had been documented over the past year.

“The Council recorded 2,442 incidents of violence against minorities and more than 150 temples vandalized between August 2024 and July 2025,” she said.

“From Queens to communities across the world, we share in the pain and fear faced by Hindus in Bangladesh. We stand in solidarity with Bangladesh’s Hindu community and in defense of human rights and religious freedom everywhere,” Rajkumar added.

Source: Swarajya