Bangladesh Unrest: Hindu Man Lynched, Body Set Ablaze; Yunus Says Won't Spare Perpetrators

A Hindu youth was brutally murdered in Bangladesh's Mymensingh on Thursday on allegations of "religious blasphemy", according to local media reports.

In a post on X, Bangladeshi Hindus Community wrote, "Yesterday in #Bangladesh, radical #Islamists brutally murdered a Hindu youth named Dipu Chandra in Mymensingh on allegations of religious blasphemy."

"Yet these incidents will not catch the attention of human rights bcz he was a Hindu," the post added.

According to reports, the victim, Dipu Chandra Das, worked at a local garment factory and lived as a tenant in the Dubalia Para locality of Bhaluka Upazila.

The Bangladesh government has issued a statement condemning violent incidents.

"The government urges all citizens of Bangladesh to resist all forms of mob violence  committed by a few fringe elements. We strongly and unequivocally condemn all acts of violence, intimidation, arson, and destruction of properties. This is a critical moment in our nation’s history when we are making a historic democratic transition. We cannot and must not allow it to be derailed by those few who thrive on chaos and reject peace," Bangladesh Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus said in a post on Facebook.

He also condemned the violent attacks on journalists.

“To the journalists of The Daily Star, Prothom Alo and New Age: we stand with you. We are deeply sorry for the terror and violence you have endured. The nation has witnessed your courage and tolerance in the face of terror.  Attacks on journalists are attacks on truth itself. We promise you full justice,” he said.

He also vowed to take action against the lynching of the Hindu man in Mymensingh.

“We wholeheartedly condemn lynching of a Hindu man in Mymensingh. There is no space for such violence in new Bangladesh. The perpetrators of this heinous crimine will not be spared,” Muhammad Yunus said in his Facebook post.

Bangladesh Protests

The protests over the death of Inqilab Moncho leader Sharif Osman bin Hadi continues to spiral. After a night of violent unrest where offices of Media house's like Daily Star and Prothom Alo were targeted, protestors vented their ire at the partially demolished home of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. Protestors were seen attempting to tear down the remaining portion of the house and setting fire to a poster of former PM Sheikh Hasina there.

As unrest erupted across the country following Osman Hadi's death, Inqilab Moncho urged the public to avoid violence, vandalism, and arson that have erupted across the country. In a late-night Facebook post on Thursday, the organisation said: "Through destruction and fire, certain groups aim to render Bangladesh an ineffective state. They seek to undermine the independence and sovereignty of our country. You must understand -- 32 and 36 are not the same."

The post continued: "As the February elections approach, consider who truly benefits if unrest is created in the country. To maintain stability in Bangladesh, fully cooperate with the government and refrain from violence."

Meanwhile, after vandalism at the English-language daily The Daily Star office, a journalist who was trapped on the rooftop recounted the harrowing ordeal. The journalist said they were alerted by a phone call from outside as a section of the rampaging crowd, after attacking the Prothom Alo office, began moving towards The Daily Star building, reported bdnews24.

Upon receiving the warning, the newsroom staff attempted to evacuate. By then, however, the mob had reached the ground floor, launching vandalism before setting the building on fire. Amid thick smoke, a group of journalists abandoned attempts to get downstairs and instead fled to the rooftop on the 10th floor.

Fire Service crews later arrived and extinguished the blaze on the lower floors. Four firefighters climbed to the rooftop to evacuate those trapped.

Following the attacks, Prothom Alo and The Daily Star will not be published on Friday. 

(With inputs from agencies)

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