Kolkata, Dec 26 — Leader of the Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly, Suvendu Adhikari, on Friday submitted a deputation to the Bangladesh Deputy High Commission in Kolkata, demanding immediate action by the Muhammad Yunus-led caretaker government against those involved in the lynching of Dipu Chandra Das, a Hindu garment factory worker. He also called for an end to what he described as continued atrocities against Hindu minorities in the neighbouring country.
Adhikari arrived at the Deputy High Commission in the afternoon, accompanied by representatives of a Hindu saints’ organisation. In view of the sensitivity of the issue, security was tightened in and around the mission premises. Initially, police personnel stopped the delegation at the entrance, but after verification of the prior appointment, Adhikari was allowed to enter along with four representatives.
After meeting senior officials of the Deputy High Commission, Adhikari addressed the media and said the delegation sought clear answers regarding the steps taken by the Bangladesh administration against those responsible for the killing. “We questioned what concrete action has been taken against the killers of Dipu Chandra Das and when the ongoing atrocities against minority Hindus in Bangladesh will stop. We also sought details of the measures being adopted to prevent such incidents in the future,” he said.
Adhikari added that the delegation conveyed its concern that the Indian government would be compelled to take necessary steps if violence against minority Hindus in Bangladesh was not halted immediately. Notably, he wore a photograph of Das around his neck during the visit as a mark of protest and solidarity.
Earlier this week, Adhikari had led a demonstration outside the Bangladesh Deputy High Commission but was not permitted to enter the mission. He had announced that he would return with a formal delegation and a scheduled appointment, which was later confirmed for Friday.
Protests over the killing of Das and allegations of targeted attacks on minorities under the Yunus-led administration have erupted across several Indian cities, including Delhi, Kolkata, Bhopal, and Hyderabad. Various Hindu organisations have staged demonstrations condemning the incident.
The 25-year-old victim was allegedly dragged out of his workplace in a garment factory, assaulted by a mob over blasphemy accusations, and killed. His body was later tied to a tree and set on fire, sparking widespread outrage in India and beyond.
