Dipu Das lynching: Bangladesh govt announces housing, financial package for family just hours before general polls

Under the assistance programme, BDT 2.5 million will be allocated for the construction of a house for Das’s family, the Chief Adviser’s Office (CAO) said, as quoted by The Daily Star. The project will be implemented by the National Housing Authority.

In addition to housing support, financial assistance will also be provided to his family. Tk 10 lakh (BDT 1 million) each will be given to Das’s father and wife. An FDR of Tk 5 lakh (BDT 500,000) will be created to secure the future well-being of his child, the CAO said.

Last year, Education Adviser Dr C.R. Abrar visited Das’s family in Mokamiakanda village under Banihala union in Tarakanda upazila of Mymensingh district and conveyed the government’s sympathy over his death. Das was the sole earning member of the family.

Speaking on Tuesday, Abrar told The Daily Star: “The killing of Dipu Chandra Das was a brutal crime with no justification and has no place in our society. The assistance the government is providing to his family is insignificant compared to the value of a human life. The state will certainly ensure justice.”

He added: “As a state and as a society, we respect the peaceful right to express opinions of people of all religions, ethnicities, and communities — so long as such expression maintains respect for others. Even in moments of disagreement or objection, no individual has the right to take the law into their own hands.”

The timing of the announcement assumes significance as Bangladesh is set to vote on February 12 to elect a new government.

Das, 25, was killed on December 18 in Bhaluka upazila of Mymensingh following what were described as false blasphemy allegations. His body was later reportedly hung from a tree and set on fire.

The Muhammad Yunus-led interim government condemned the killing but denied any communal motive, attributing the incident to criminal activity and extortion. However, the attack sparked outrage among human rights groups and drew international attention.

India has expressed “grave concern” over what it termed “unremitting hostility” towards minorities in Bangladesh, including Hindus, Christians and Buddhists, and said it is closely monitoring the situation.