Mymensingh, Bangladesh – A Hindu man was lynched in Mymensingh, a city located in northern Bangladesh, in an incident that has raised significant concerns regarding communal tensions in the country. The victim, identified as 45-year-old Ranjit Das, was reportedly attacked by a mob on December 20, 2025, following allegations of blasphemy. The incident has sparked outrage among the Hindu community and has drawn attention to the ongoing challenges faced by religious minorities in Bangladesh.
According to local police, Ranjit Das was accused of making derogatory remarks about Islam, which led to a swift and violent response from a group of individuals in the area. Eyewitness accounts suggest that the mob, consisting of dozens of people, descended upon Das as he was walking through a market in Mymensingh. Despite attempts by bystanders to intervene, the mob overpowered them and brutally assaulted Das, ultimately leading to his death.
Authorities have confirmed that they have arrested several individuals in connection with the lynching, and investigations are ongoing. Police spokespersons have stated that they are reviewing CCTV footage from the market to identify additional suspects. The incident has prompted local law enforcement to increase security in the area to prevent further violence and to reassure the community.
The lynching of Ranjit Das is not an isolated incident but part of a troubling trend in Bangladesh, where religious minorities, particularly Hindus, have faced increasing violence and discrimination. According to the Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council, a non-governmental organization, there have been numerous reports of attacks on Hindu temples, homes, and individuals in recent years. The organization has documented over 300 incidents of violence against Hindus in 2025 alone, highlighting the precarious situation faced by this community.
The historical context of Hindu-Muslim relations in Bangladesh is complex. The country, which is predominantly Muslim, was created in 1971 following a war of independence from Pakistan, which had a significant Hindu population at the time. Since then, the Hindu community has seen a steady decline in numbers, from approximately 20% of the population at independence to around 8% today. This demographic shift has often been accompanied by social and political marginalization, leading to heightened tensions between religious groups.
The implications of the lynching extend beyond the immediate tragedy of Ranjit Das’s death. It raises questions about the effectiveness of the Bangladeshi government in protecting its minority populations and maintaining communal harmony. Critics argue that the state has not done enough to curb rising extremism and violence against minorities, and they call for stronger legal protections and enforcement against hate crimes.
International human rights organizations have also expressed concern over the treatment of religious minorities in Bangladesh. Reports from groups such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have documented instances of mob violence, discrimination, and impunity for perpetrators of such acts. The lynching of Ranjit Das may further draw scrutiny from the international community regarding Bangladesh’s human rights record and its commitment to protecting the rights of all citizens, regardless of their religious beliefs.
In response to the incident, leaders from the Hindu community in Mymensingh have called for justice for Ranjit Das and have urged the government to take decisive action to prevent future violence. They have organized protests and vigils to honor Das’s memory and to demand accountability for those responsible for his death.
The government of Bangladesh has condemned the lynching and reiterated its commitment to ensuring the safety of all citizens. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has called for unity among different religious communities and has emphasized the need for tolerance and coexistence in a diverse society.
As the investigation into Ranjit Das’s lynching continues, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by religious minorities in Bangladesh. The response from both the government and civil society will be crucial in determining whether this tragedy will lead to meaningful change or if it will be yet another chapter in the ongoing struggle for religious freedom and protection in the country.
