WASHINGTON– A New York State legislator on Tuesday condemned the lynching of a young Hindu man in Bangladesh, warning that the killing reflects a broader and troubling pattern of violence and persecution against religious minorities in the country.
New York State Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar said she was deeply disturbed by the killing of Dipu Chandra Das, a 25-year-old Hindu Bangladeshi, describing the incident as part of an ongoing wave of attacks targeting minority communities.
In a statement, Rajkumar said a mob attacked Das, beat him, set him on fire, and left his body on a highway. Authorities in Bangladesh have reportedly arrested 12 individuals in connection with the killing.
She said the brutal attack was not an isolated case but part of a wider pattern of religious persecution. Rajkumar cited reports documenting thousands of incidents of violence against religious minorities in Bangladesh over the past year, including attacks on places of worship.
According to figures referenced in her statement, minority advocacy groups recorded more than 2,400 incidents of violence against minorities and over 150 cases of temple vandalism between August 2024 and July 2025.
Rajkumar said such incidents have created a climate of fear and insecurity for Hindu communities in Bangladesh, adding that the impact of the violence extends beyond national borders and affects diaspora communities worldwide.
She said communities in the United States, including her district in Queens, have been closely following developments and share in the concern and anguish over the situation.
Rajkumar said she stands in solidarity with Bangladesh’s Hindu community and reiterated her commitment to supporting human rights and religious freedom globally.
The statement comes amid growing concern among diaspora groups and human rights advocates over reports of violence against religious minorities in Bangladesh, particularly in the wake of political unrest and social tensions. (Source: IANS)
