Citizen Initiative expresses deep sorrow and strong condemnation over the killing of labor leader Dipu Chandra Das in Bhaluka, Mymensingh, and the tragic death of seven-year-old Ayesha Akter, the child daughter of a BNP leader, in a planned arson attack in Lakshmipur.
We believe that the manner in which the killing of Dipu Chandra Das in Bhaluka, Mymensingh, has been portrayed as an incident driven by religious provocation is dangerously misleading and deliberately motivated. Information from the victim’s family, eyewitnesses, and investigative findings clearly indicates that this was not a spontaneous act by an “extremist mob.” Rather, it was a premeditated killing in which false allegations of religious insult were deliberately fabricated in response to his labor rights activism. Allegations regarding the role of factory management, their failure to inform the police, and the handing over of the victim to an enraged crowd point to extremely serious criminal responsibility. We categorically reject attempts to blame religion and collectively portray Muslims as the “villain” in this incident.
On the other hand, the attempt in Lakshmipur to burn an entire family to death by locking the door, pouring petrol, and setting the house on fire—and the resulting death of a seven-year-old child—is a gross violation of humanity, civilization, and the rule of law. This act of brutality, in which a sleeping child and family members were burned alive, cannot under any circumstances be treated as an isolated crime. It was a planned attempt at murder, and regardless of whether those involved have any political affiliation, they must face the maximum punishment under the law.
Citizen Initiative wishes to state clearly that all killings are equally criminal, and attaching religious, identity-based, or political labels to crimes in order to mislead society is both reprehensible and dangerous. Deliberately presenting personal disputes, labor rights movements, or political violence as “religious provocation” is a clear propaganda tactic that fuels social division and shields the real perpetrators. The responsibility of the state is to uncover the truth and ensure justice, not to suppress the situation by blaming any particular religious or social group.
We strongly demand that the killing of Dipu Chandra Das in Bhaluka, Mymensingh, be investigated in an impartial, transparent, and comprehensive manner, and that the real planners and accomplices be swiftly arrested and given exemplary punishment. At the same time, all those involved in the planned arson attack and child killing at the BNP leader’s house in Lakshmipur must be immediately identified and brought under the law. The media, as well as state and private authorities, must ensure responsible language and conduct so that no religion or community is unfairly burdened with criminal blame. In parallel, it is an urgent necessity for the state to take effective and visible measures to ensure the safety of labor rights activists, political workers, and ordinary citizens.
Justice delayed is justice denied, and in effect amounts to standing on the side of injustice. Citizen Initiative will remain steadfast in its demand for justice in the country.
Sincerely,
Taib Ahmed
Secretary
Citizen Initiative
PhD Candidate and Instructor
Colorado State University
Dr. Hasan Mahmud
Chairman
Citizen Initiative
Assistant Professor
Northwestern University, Qatar