Bangladesh lynching: From Kajal Aggarwal to Jaya Prada, celebs condemn killing of Dipu Das
Indian celebrities have called for action and solidarity after the mob lynching of a Hindu factory worker in Bangladesh, raising concerns over minority safety as authorities make arrests and deny evidence of blasphemy.
Several Indian celebrities, including Kajal Aggarwal and Jaya Prada, have reacted after the killing of 30-year-old Hindu garment factory worker Dipu Chandra Das by a mob last week in Mymensingh, Bangladesh, about 100 km from Dhaka. The incident, where Das’s body was tied to a tree and set on fire, has sparked widespread concern and renewed demands for accountability and protection for minorities in Bangladesh.
The attack comes at a time when elections are approaching in the country and violence has increased, with many people expressing fear towards Hindu minorities. Notable personalities from the Indian film and music industry have used their platforms to express solidarity and urge the international community to accept the incident.
Celebrities described the incident as “inhuman and barbaric” and urged Hindus to unite as concerns grow for minorities in Bangladesh. The growing influence of Islamist mobs damaging public property and allegedly targeting Hindus has raised concerns among minority communities.
Famous actress Kajal Aggarwal shared the poster “All eyes on Hindus of Bangladesh” on social media, showing support towards the Hindu community. The poster depicts a lynching scene with a call for unity and reads, “Wake up Hindus, silence will not save you.”
Actress and former MP Jaya Prada recorded a video message in response. He said, “Today I am very sad, my heart is bleeding thinking how such cruelty can be done to a person in Bangladesh. An innocent Hindu man, Dipu Chandra Das, was lynched by a mob. They not only murdered him, but also tied him to a tree and set him on fire. Is this the new Bangladesh? This is not normal violence; this is mob lynching. This is an attack on Hinduism. Our temples are being demolished, women are being attacked. How long will we remain silent? In the name of secularism, we should raise our voice, we should help the people there, we should try together to seek justice for them,” he said, urging collective action, reflecting his plight.
Actor Manoj Joshi commented, “When something happens in Gaza or Palestine everyone comes forward, but when a Hindu is killed in Bangladesh, it is very sad that no one comes forward. Time will answer.”
Singer Tony Kakkar mentioned this incident in his song four peopleAddressing religious violence. The lyrics of the song say, “Let’s talk about Dipu Chandra Das and ask questions to those responsible. Is it right to kill on religious grounds? There should be no Hindu-Muslim or caste-based discrimination. Seeing this brought tears to God’s eyes. He (Das) lost his life and people should talk about it.”
Filmmaker Ashok Pandit thanked actor Janhvi Kapoor for her strong condemnation of the murder. He wrote, “Thank you Janhvi Kapoor,” and praised her for speaking out despite facing trolling and attacks.
He said, “By condemning the brutal murder of Dipu Das in Bangladesh, she stood firmly on the side of humanity – without any fear or filter. She knew the price: trolling, hatred and attacks by people with selective outrage. When such voices attack you, it is a clear sign that you are on the right side of India and truth. She spoke out because wherever there is injustice, the voice must be raised everywhere. She is, in the truest sense, a heroine.”
Bangladeshi authorities have made 12 arrests in connection with the lynching. The interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus has described the incident as isolated, but minority communities are concerned.
Police in Bangladesh have said there are no witnesses to the charges against Das, pointing to systematic targeting of minorities as elections approach.
