VHP Workers Protest Near Bangladesh High Commission Over Hindu Youth's Death

The killing of a Hindu youth in Bangladesh has triggered protests in India and intensified diplomatic unease between New Delhi and Dhaka, with religious groups and minority organisations demanding justice and greater protection for vulnerable communities.

On Tuesday, the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) staged a protest outside the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi, condemning the killing of 27-year-old Dipu Chandra Das in Mymensingh district.

The VHP workers have assembled near the mission, raising slogans and urging the Bangladeshi authorities to ensure strict punishment for those responsible. Protesters also voiced concern over the safety of Indian citizens currently in Bangladesh, particularly Indian medical students studying there.

The demonstration came amid growing strain in bilateral ties. Bangladesh's Foreign Ministry summoned officials from the Indian High Commission earlier in the day, marking the second such summons within a week. Relations have been tense following anti-India protests in Bangladesh after the death of student leader Sharif Usman Hadi, followed by the mob killing of Dipu Das, which has sparked outrage across communities.

This was not the first protest in Delhi over the incident. On Saturday night, a small group had gathered outside the Bangladesh High Commission to denounce the killing. India's Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the protest was peaceful and involved around 20 to 25 people, adding that it did not pose any threat to the security of the diplomatic mission.

Meanwhile, protests have also been reported in Bangladesh. On December 22, Hindu organisations and minority rights groups held a demonstration outside the National Press Club in Dhaka, demanding justice for Dipu. The protesters claimed he was innocent and had been falsely accused of blasphemy. According to them, he was brutally attacked by extremists, tied to a tree and set on fire while still alive. They alleged that the situation for minorities in Bangladesh has been worsening, claiming that over 50 non-Muslims have been killed since January this year and that several people have been booked under what they describe as false blasphemy charges.

Details emerging from Bangladeshi media suggest the incident may have been triggered by a workplace dispute. The Dhaka Tribune reported that Dipu, a floor manager at Pioneer Knitwears (BD) Ltd, had recently appeared for a promotion exam to become a supervisor. Senior manager Saqib Mahmood said unrest broke out inside the factory around 5 pm when some workers accused Dipu of hurting religious sentiments.

Dipu's brother, Apu Chandra Das, alleged that his sibling had ongoing conflicts with colleagues over work targets, conditions and employee benefits. He said the situation escalated on December 18, 2025, when the factory floor in-charge allegedly forced Dipu to resign and handed him over to a mob outside the premises. Apu said the family was initially told Dipu was being taken to a police station, but soon after, they learned he had been killed. When he reached the spot, he found Dipu's body badly burnt.