Bangladesh Official Accuses India of Politicising Dipu Das Killing Amid Protests

Amid escalating protests and diplomatic tension, a senior official from a Bangladesh government-linked Hindu body has accused India of politicising the killing of Dipu Chandra Das, warning against portraying the incident as part of a broader pattern of minority violence.

Speaking to reporters, Tapan Majumder, Vice Chairman of the Hindu Religious Welfare Trust under the Ministry of Religious Affairs, said Das was killed at his workplace near a government industrial facility. He cautioned against framing the murder solely through a communal lens.

Majumder said that while the killing was tragic and deserved justice, similar violence had also claimed the lives of Muslims and young people in Bangladesh without drawing comparable international attention. He alleged that India was using the incident to advance its own political narrative rather than addressing Bangladesh’s internal challenges objectively.

The remarks came as Bangladesh’s interim government, led by Muhammad Yunus, signalled efforts to stabilise strained ties with India. Finance Adviser Salehuddin Ahmed said Dhaka was attempting to separate economic cooperation from political rhetoric, even as Bangladesh approved the purchase of 50,000 tonnes of rice from India on cost considerations.

The outreach followed a sharp diplomatic flare-up marked by protests near diplomatic missions in both countries and New Delhi’s demand for a thorough investigation into the killing of youth leader Sharif Osman Hadi. India has rejected what it described as “false narratives” emerging from Bangladesh, while Dhaka has insisted that recent anti-India remarks do not reflect national sentiment.

The situation on the ground remains volatile. Political outfits in Bangladesh, including Inqilab Mancha, have demanded fast-track trials in high-profile murder cases, while protests have also erupted in India over alleged attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh.

Civil society groups in Bangladesh have called for independent and time-bound investigations into incidents of mob violence, attacks on journalists, and killings of minority members. They have also urged the government to ensure enhanced security for vulnerable communities and provide support to victims’ families.

As Bangladesh heads toward crucial elections scheduled for February, analysts say the convergence of political unrest, minority safety concerns, and diplomatic strain with India could shape both domestic stability and regional relations in the weeks ahead.