ASK condemns killings of Dipu Das and child in Lakshmipur

Human rights organisation Ain o Salish Kendra, ASK, has condemned the burning death of Dipu Chandra Das in Bhaluka, Mymensingh, and the killing of a child in a fire incident in Lakshmipur.

In a statement issued on Sunday, December 21, ASK described the two separate incidents as “horrific and brutal killings”.

The organisation said such incidents are creating fear, panic and insecurity among minority communities, political activists and the general public. According to the statement, on December 18, Dipu Chandra Das, a worker at Pioneers Knitwears BD Limited, was beaten to death by a planned mob in Bhaluka after allegations of blasphemy were raised against him.

It added that his body was later hung naked from a tree on the divider of the Dhaka–Mymensingh highway and set on fire.

In another incident, on the night of December 19 in Lakshmipur, miscreants allegedly locked the house of BNP leader Belal Hossain, poured petrol and set it on fire. A girl, 7, who was inside the house, was burned to death.

ASK said these acts of extreme violence can no longer be seen as isolated incidents. The repeated occurrence of such crimes shows that a culture of impunity has developed due to the lack of effective, exemplary punishment and justice. Merely detaining or arresting suspects after incidents does not absolve the state of its responsibility.

The organisation also said that not only the direct perpetrators, but also instigators, planners and those who facilitate organised violence must be brought under the law. At the same time, administrative failures behind such incidents must be investigated impartially.