Dipu Chandra Das lynching: Main accused arrested by Bangladesh Police as probe continues

January 8, 2026

Dhaka: Bangladesh police have arrested the main accused in the mob lynching of Hindu youth Dipu Chandra Das in the Bhaluka area of ​​Mymensingh. An official said on Thursday that the accused, identified as 25-year-old Mohammad Yasin Arafat, was arrested in the Sarulia area on Wednesday afternoon. So far, 21 people have been arrested in the case.

Mymensingh’s Additional Superintendent of Police (Administration), Abdullah Al Mamun, said that Arafat worked as the imam at the Sheikhbari Mosque in Kashar. Police said that an investigation is underway to trace other accused involved in the murder.

Accused hid in a madrasa for 12 days

According to police, “Yasin, along with others, played a key role in the murder. After the incident, he fled and hid in various madrasas in Sarulia for 12 days. He also joined a madrasa called ‘Suffa’ as a teacher.”

Officials said that other people involved in the case will be identified and arrested soon.

Nationwide outrage after violence, concerns over safety of minorities

Dipu Chandra Das, 27, worked in a garment factory in Mymensingh. On December 18, he was attacked and set on fire by a mob in Bhaluka, allegedly for “hurting religious sentiments,” leading to his death. His brother, Apu Chandra Das, later filed an FIR, claiming that 140 to 150 people were involved in the incident.

Earlier, last month, massive protests erupted across Bangladesh following the death of radical and anti-India leader Sharif Osman Hadi. The country has since witnessed a rise in attacks on Hindus. India has expressed concern over the situation and urged the government of Chief Advisor Mohammad Yunus to ensure the safety of minorities. Several organizations in India have also protested against the violence against Hindus in Bangladesh.

Meanwhile, the Bangladesh government has condemned the murder of Dipu Das and promised strict action against the perpetrators.