Days after Hindu factory worker Dipu Chandra Das was set on fire in Mymensingh, Bangladesh, his family has claimed that the 27-year-old was killed due to workplace rivalry rather than any supposed “blasphemous” comment.
He was killed by a mob last week amid new unrest following the death of student leader Sharif Osman Hadi, a known figure in the protests that led to the ousting of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina.
Soon after, a disturbing video of the attack went viral. It showed hundreds of people leaving a garment factory, dragging Dipu onto the road. He was seen being beaten and was later killed. The mob then tied his body to a tree and set it on fire.
Hindu Factory worker lynched in Bangladesh
Tensions grew inside the factory on the day of the assault, Apu Das told. That afternoon, he was forced to quit his job. Shortly after, accusations of disrespecting religion arose, according to his brother.
“They beat my brother and threw him out of the factory. Even after he was caught and apologized, they still didn’t spare him,” he said. Apu Das later received a call from his brother’s friend Himel, saying Dipu was being taken to the police station for allegedly making insulting remarks about the Prophet Muhammad.
Family’s Account
Dipu worked at Pioneer Knitwears (BD) Limited, a garment factory. He had just taken a test to be promoted from floor manager to supervisor. According to his brother Apu Robi Das, Dipu had disputes with several coworkers about his position.
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