Raja Krishnamoorthi and António Guterres (Images/Agencies)
Leaders and lawmakers across the world have condemned the killing of Dipu Chandra Das, a Hindu man lynched by a mob in Bangladesh, calling for accountability, protection of religious minorities and an end to the growing unrest in the country.US Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi described the killing as a “targeted mob attack” and urged Bangladeshi authorities to uphold the rule of law. “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 and unrest,” the Illinois Democrat said in a statement on Sunday.Krishnamoorthi said while arrests have been reported, the government must ensure a full and transparent investigation and prosecute all those responsible. He also called for urgent steps to protect Hindu communities and other religious minorities.“For the sake of all Bangladeshis, this unrest must end and the rule of law must be upheld,” he said.New York State Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar also condemned the killing, saying she was “deeply disturbed” by the continuing violence against Bangladesh’s Hindu minority. “A mob beat him, set him ablaze, and left his body on a highway. Authorities have reportedly arrested twelve individuals in connection with the horrific crime,” she said, referring to Das’s death. Rajkumar said the killing reflects a troubling pattern of targeted violence against religious minorities. Citing data from the Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council, she said more than 2,400 incidents of violence against minorities and over 150 cases of temple vandalism were recorded between August 2024 and July 2025. “We stand in solidarity with Bangladesh’s Hindu community and for human rights and religious freedom globally,” Rajkumar added.Dipu Chandra Das, a garment factory worker, was lynched to death on December 19 in Baluka in Mymensingh district over alleged blasphemy. His body was later set on fire.The United Nations has also voiced concern over the violence. UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed alarm over the situation.“We’re very concerned about the violence that we’ve seen in Bangladesh,” Guterres’ spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric said at a press briefing on Monday.Responding to questions on attacks against minorities, Dujarric said, “Whether it’s in Bangladesh or any other country, people who don’t belong to the majority need to feel safe. All Bangladeshis need to feel safe.” He added that the UN is confident the government will take steps to protect its citizens.The killings have triggered protests both inside and outside Bangladesh. Demonstrations were held in several cities, including outside the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi, where protesters condemned Das’s lynching. In Delhi, members of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad attempted to march toward the mission, clashing with security personnel before being stopped by police and paramilitary forces.In Bangladesh, protests intensified after Das’s death, with Hindu organisations and minority rights groups alleging he was falsely accused of religious defamation. Tensions had already been high following the killing of Sharif Usman Hadi, a prominent youth leader whose death sparked widespread demonstrations across the country.