Govt to provide housing, financial support to family of lynched Dipu Das

The government has announced financial assistance and housing support for the family of Dipu Chandra Das, who was lynched and burned to death in a brutal attack in Mymensingh last December.

Dipu Das, a young man from the Hindu community, was killed on 18 December in the Square Masterbari area of Bhaluka upazila following allegations of making offensive remarks. He was beaten by a mob, set on fire, and later hanged from a tree, in an incident widely reported as an act of communal violence.

Under the government assistance programme, an allocation of Tk25 lakh has been approved for house construction, to be carried out by the National Housing Authority based on the family's needs.

In addition, the government will provide cash assistance, with Tk10 lakh each to Dipu Das's father and wife.

 A further Tk5 lakh will be placed in a fixed deposit to secure the future of his child.

Education adviser visits Dipu Chandra Das’s family

Earlier on 23 December, Education Adviser CR Abrar, on the advice of the Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, visited Dipu's family home in Mokamiakanda village of Baniyahala Union, under Tarakanda upazila. During the visit, Abrar conveyed the government's sympathy and assured the family of support.

As Dipu Das was the sole earning member of the family, the government has committed to building a permanent house and providing financial assistance to ensure the family's security and rehabilitation. The support programme will be implemented under the supervision of the Tarakanda Upazila Nirbahi Officer.

Speaking on Tuesday, Abrar described the killing as a heinous crime with no justification.

"The efforts taken by the government to support the family are insignificant compared to the value of a human life," he said, adding that the state would ensure justice.

He said the manner in which Dipu was killed was a source of shame for the entire nation. "Only justice can free us from this shame," he added.

Abrar also said Bangladesh respects the peaceful expression of views by people of all religions and communities, as long as it is done with respect for others. "No one has the right to take the law into their own hands, even in moments of disagreement or offence," he said.

So far, 12 people directly linked to the killing have been arrested, and the investigation is ongoing. The education adviser said all those responsible would be brought to justice through due legal process.