US condemns ‘horrific’ mob killing of Hindu worker in Bangladesh

The US State Department on Sunday denounced the recent communal violence in Bangladesh as “horrific”, condemning the mob killing of Dipu Chandra Das, a Hindu garment worker, and urging an unequivocal stand against religious hatred.

Responding to IANS, a State Department spokesperson said, “The United States supports religious freedom and freedoms of expression, peaceful assembly, and association.” The spokesperson added, “The United States unequivocally condemns religious violence in all its forms, and we welcome measures the Bangladeshi interim government is taking to ensure the safety and security for all communities in Bangladesh.”

The statement comes amid growing concern in Washington and among advocacy groups over the killing of Das and what they describe as a broader pattern of attacks on minority communities in Bangladesh.

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US lawmakers have also spoken out on the issue. Congressman Ro Khanna described the killing as “horrific” and called for clear condemnation of religious hatred. “The killing of Dipu Chandra Das, a 27-year-old Hindu garment worker in Bangladesh, is horrific, and my thoughts and prayers are with his friends and family,” Khanna wrote on X. “We must unequivocally condemn and speak out against these vile acts of hatred and bigotry,” he added.

Dipu Chandra Das, a garment worker from Bhaluka, was killed on December 18 after a mob accused him of blasphemy. He was beaten to death and his body was set on fire.

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The incident has intensified scrutiny of the situation faced by religious minorities in Bangladesh, particularly Hindus, amid political upheaval in the country. Advocacy groups have reported a rise in attacks, citing incidents of mob violence, vandalism and intimidation across several regions.

While the State Department did not disclose details of any diplomatic engagement with Dhaka, its response underlined Washington’s condemnation of religious violence and welcomed steps taken by Bangladesh’s interim authorities to strengthen security for all communities.