‘Minorities must be protected’, says US as it condemns killing of Hindu youth in Bangladesh

Washington (The Uttam Hindu): The brutal murder of Dipu Chandra Das, a Hindu textile worker in Bangladesh, has drawn worldwide condemnation. The US State Department has condemned the recent religious violence. Additionally, an influential US senator called the mob lynching of Dipu Chandra Das horrific and called for an unconditional condemnation of religious hatred.

Responding to a question about the increasing incidents of attacks on minorities in Bangladesh, the US spokesperson told media, "The United States supports religious freedom and freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and association." "The United States strongly condemns religious violence. We also welcome the steps being taken by the interim government of Bangladesh to ensure the safety of all communities," the spokesperson said.

US senators have also reacted strongly to the incident. Ro Khanna called the murder "horrific" and urged the strongest condemnation of religious hatred. "The murder of Dipu Chandra Das, a 27-year-old Hindu textile worker in Bangladesh, is horrific, and my thoughts and prayers are with Dipu's friends and family," Ro Khanna said on the social media platform X.

He said, “We must strongly condemn and speak out against these heinous acts of hatred and bigotry.” Dipu Chandra Das, a textile worker from Bhaluka, Bangladesh, was killed on December 18. Accused of blasphemy, a mob attacked him, beat him to death and burned his body.

The killing has heightened scrutiny of the situation of religious minorities, particularly Hindus in Bangladesh following the country's political turmoil. Advocacy groups say attacks on minority communities have increased, citing incidents of mob violence, vandalism and intimidation in several areas. While the State Department did not provide details of the diplomatic meetings, in its response to media, it emphasized its condemnation of religious violence and welcomed steps taken by Bangladesh's interim authorities to ensure the safety of all communities.