The killing of 27-year-old Dipu Chandra Das was not sudden. It unfolded step by step inside a factory in Bangladesh. Investigators now say that a series of deliberate actions, not chaos, sealed his fate. From a forced resignation to a delayed police alert, every moment narrowed his chance of survival.
Dipu, a Hindu garment worker, was lynched after vague claims of blasphemy. Authorities say no evidence supports those allegations.
What Happened Inside the Factory
The violence began on the factory floor in Bhaluka, Mymensingh. Supervisors forced Dipu to resign instead of calling the police. They pushed him out of his workplace as tensions rose.
“The incident began around 4 pm. The factory floor in-charge forced him to resign and handed him over to an enraged mob… We arrested two factory officials because they did not hand him over to the police and failed to ensure his safety,” Naimul Hasan said.
As the shift change approached, more workers gathered. Residents joined as rumours spread. What began as an internal dispute soon turned into a mob attack.
Blasphemy Claims Remain Unclear
Authorities say the allegations against Dipu were vague. Investigators could not identify what he allegedly said or did.
“The issue of blasphemy is extremely vague. We tried to find out what he had actually said, but no one could clarify it,” Naimul Hasan said.
Officials are also probing whether personal enmity or organised incitement played a role.
Mob Violence and Delayed Police Response
By evening, the situation spiralled. Protesters broke into the factory and dragged Dipu out of a security room meant to protect him. His own colleagues were part of the mob.
Police said factory authorities informed them too late. “I was informed about the incident around 8.00 pm. Immediately, we started running towards the spot, but it was too late,” Md Farhad Hossain Khan said.
“Hundreds of people were on the road. When we reached the factory gate, we saw the body being carried by a furious mob towards the Dhaka-Mymensingh highway”.
A massive traffic jam blocked police vehicles for hours. “Just a timely call could have saved Dipu’s life,” the officer said.
Brutal Killing and Aftermath
The mob beat Dipu to death. They hung his naked body on a highway divider. They then set it on fire. His killing shocked the region. After a post-mortem, authorities cremated his body late Friday night. Dipu leaves behind his wife and a one-and-a-half-year-old child.
Authorities arrested 12 people, including factory officials and workers. CCTV footage and videos led to the arrests. Investigators say more detentions may follow.
Factory officials denied negligence but admitted there was no proof of blasphemy. “There was no proof of the allegations [of blasphemy],” Sakib Mahmud said.
Why the Case Matters
The killing happened hours before widespread Islamist protests erupted across Bangladesh. Investigators believe the timing was not accidental. The forced resignation, delayed police action, and handover to a mob suggest planning, not panic.
Authorities are now examining whether this was a coordinated act driven by false accusations. For many, Dipu Chandra Das’s death raises urgent questions about minority safety, rule of law, and accountability in Bangladesh.