Facing intense scrutiny both domestically and internationally, the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government in Bangladesh has announced state support for the family of a Hindu worker who was brutally lynched last week on allegations of blasphemy. The government has strongly condemned the violence and asserted its commitment to protecting minority communities.
State Steps In for Victim's Family
The victim, identified as Dipu Chandra Das, was killed in Mymensingh. In response, Education Adviser C R Abrar, representing the interim government, visited Das's family on Tuesday. Following the visit, he announced that the state would take responsibility for the bereaved family, offering them both financial assistance and welfare support.
The chief adviser's office confirmed on Wednesday that the promised aid would be delivered to the family by the authorities in the "coming period." This move is seen as a direct attempt to address the growing criticism over the safety of minority groups in the country.
Arrests Made and a Firm Stance Against Vigilantism
Providing an update on the investigation, Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam told reporters that the government has strongly condemned the lynching. He revealed that, so far, 12 individuals have been arrested in connection with the crime, with evidence gathered from video footage of the incident.
"We are giving the highest efforts for the protection of minorities," Alam stated. The government issued a firm declaration, stating that allegations, rumours, or differences of belief can never excuse violence. It emphasized that no individual possesses the right to take the law into their own hands.
Strained Ties and a Series of Attacks
The killing of Dipu Chandra Das is not an isolated incident. It occurs amid a series of attacks targeting the Hindu community in Bangladesh since the collapse of the Sheikh Hasina government last year and the subsequent appointment of Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus as chief adviser to the interim administration.
This tragic event has further strained the diplomatic relationship between India and Bangladesh, with New Delhi closely monitoring the treatment of minority populations in its neighbouring country. In its statement, the Yunus-led government sought to reassure all citizens, adding, "We remain fully committed to ensuring the safety, dignity, and equal protection of all citizens, regardless of religion, ethnicity, or background."
