Govt to provide financial aid, house to family of Dipu Das

Dipu was lynched and hanged from a tree following allegations of making derogatory remarks

The government in going to provide financial assistance and construct a house for the family of Dipu Chandra Das, who was killed in a “mob” attack following allegations of blasphemy in Mymensingh’s Bhaluka Upazila.

The Chief Advisor’s Office (CAO) announced the decision on Tuesday.

On Dec 18, Dipu, a young man from the Hindu community, was beaten and burned to death at Square Masterbari of Bhaluka Upazila in Mymensingh.

He was lynched and hanged from a tree following allegations of making derogatory remarks.

The incident was reported in the media at the time as an act of communal violence.

A statement from the CAO said, as advised by the chief advisor, Education Advisor CR Abrar visited Dipu’s home in Mokamiakanda village on Dec 23, where he expressed the government’s sympathy to the bereaved family.

As per the government decision, since Dipu Das was the sole breadwinner of the family, financial assistance will be provided along with the construction of a permanent house to ensure the family’s overall security.

The assistance will be implemented under the supervision of the Tarakanada Upazila administrator (UNO).

Under the initiative, Tk 2.5 million will be allocated for house construction according to the family’s needs, and will be implemented by the National Housing Authority.

In addition, Tk 1 million each will be given in cash to Dipu’s father and wife, while a fixed deposit receipt (FDR) of Tk 500,000 will be created to secure the future of his child.

Advisor Abrar said, “The killing of Dipu Chandra Das was a heinous crime with no justification and has no place in our society. The government’s effort to support his family is nothing compared to a human life. The state will certainly ensure justice.”

He added, “The way Dipu Das was killed by spreading communal frenzy is a shame for the entire nation. Only ensuring justice can free us from this shame.”

He also said, “As a state and a society, we respect the peaceful right to freedom of expression of people of all religions, ethnicities and communities -- so long as it is exercised with respect for others.”

“No one has the right to take law into their own hands even if there is a moment of disagreement or objection.”

According to the CAO, 12 people directly involved in the incident were already arrested and the investigation was ongoing.

The education advisor said all those responsible would be brought to justice through necessary legal process.