Khulna, Bangladesh: A 15-year-old Hindu boy named Utsav Mandol has been brutally killed by a mob inside a police station in Khulna. The boy was reportedly targeted after being accused of making “objectionable comments” about Prophet Muhammad on social media.
According to reports from the Human Rights Congress for Bangladesh Minorities, Mandol was detained by police following the allegations. However, instead of receiving legal due process, he was reportedly beaten and hacked to death by a mob within the confines of the police station. The presence of Army personnel at the station, as noted by the Human Rights Congress, did little to prevent the horrific attack.
The Human Rights Congress condemned the incident, calling it a gross violation of human rights. “This act of mob lynching violates the norm of being human,” the organization stated in a post on X (formerly Twitter). They criticized the lack of justice for the victim and expressed concerns about potential attempts by authorities to downplay or cover up the incident.
Political Leaders Respond
In response to the rising tensions, Chief Adviser to Bangladesh’s interim government, Muhammad Yunus, has characterized the issue of attacks on Hindu minorities in Bangladesh as “exaggerated.” Yunus argued that the violence is being portrayed as more severe than it is and suggested that the situation is being used for political gain.
In an interview with PTI, Yunus stated, “This issue has several dimensions. When the country went through an upheaval following the atrocities by Sheikh Hasina and the Awami League, those who were with them also faced attacks.” Yunus also questioned the narrative presented by neighboring India, asserting that Bangladesh is actively addressing the issue despite the portrayal of widespread communal violence.
Background on the Violence
The recent unrest in Bangladesh began following the ouster of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, which led to significant violence against minority Hindus. This violence included the vandalism of businesses, destruction of temples, and attacks on Hindu properties, peaking on August 5 when Hasina resigned and fled to India.
Historically, Hindus have made up about 22 percent of Bangladesh’s population, but their numbers have dwindled to approximately 8 percent of the 170 million people in the country. The minority community has traditionally supported the Awami League due to its secular stance.
Ongoing Concerns
The tragic death of Utsav Mandol highlights ongoing concerns about the safety and rights of religious minorities in Bangladesh. As investigations continue, there are growing calls for accountability and justice for those responsible for Mandol’s death and other acts of violence against Hindus in the country.
The international community and human rights organizations are closely monitoring the situation, advocating for a thorough and impartial investigation into the incident and urging Bangladesh’s authorities to take decisive action against those involved in the violence.