Bangladesh police on Thursday arrested Yasin Arafat, an Imam of a mosque, the prime accused in the brutal killing of Dipu Das, a young Hindu man from Mymensingh. The arrest marks a significant breakthrough in a case that had sparked widespread outrage both within Bangladesh and internationally, including strong condemnation from India.
According to police sources, Yasin Arafat, a former teacher, was the chief conspirator behind the lynching and played a direct and leading role in the attack. Investigators revealed that he not only incited a mob by spreading allegations of religious blasphemy against Dipu Das but also actively participated in the violence.
The incident occurred on December 18, shortly after news broke about the death of student leader Osman Hadi. Taking advantage of the tense atmosphere, a group of religious extremists targeted Dipu Das, who was working as a labourer in a garment factory in Mymensingh. The mob accused him of insulting religion, dragged him out, brutally beat him to death, and later hung his lifeless body from a tree before setting it on fire.
Police officials stated that Yasin Arafat personally dragged Dipu Das to the tree, tied him up, and set his body ablaze, making the crime one of the most horrific examples of mob violence in recent times. After the incident, Yasin went into hiding but was finally tracked down and arrested following an intensive manhunt.
With his arrest, the total number of people detained in connection with the murder has risen to 21. Authorities said investigations are ongoing and further arrests may follow as they continue to dismantle the network involved in inciting and executing the crime.
The killing of Dipu Das drew sharp reactions from human rights organisations and minority rights groups, who described it as a chilling reminder of growing religious intolerance and mob justice in the country. India officially condemned the incident, calling it a “barbaric and inhuman act” and urged Bangladesh to ensure justice and protection for minorities.
Meanwhile, the arrest comes amid rising political and ideological tensions ahead of Bangladesh’s parliamentary elections. Islamist groups such as Jamaat-e-Islami and its student wing, Islami Chhatra Shibir, have been steadily increasing their influence across major educational institutions. After Dhaka, Jahangirnagar, Chattogram, and Rajshahi, the Islamist student bloc recently registered a sweeping victory in the Jagannath University Central Students’ Union (JAKSU) elections.
Out of 21 posts in the JAKSU body, the Islami Chhatra Shibir-backed panel secured 16 seats, including key positions such as Vice-President (VP), General Secretary (GS), and Assistant General Secretary (AGS). The remaining three editorial posts were won by candidates supported by the Bangladesh Chhatra Dal and Chhatra Odhikar Parishad. Election results were announced around 1 a.m. on Wednesday, a day after voting concluded.
Observers note that the brutal killing of Dipu Das and the parallel rise of hardline Islamist influence have intensified concerns over communal harmony, minority safety, and the overall law-and-order situation in Bangladesh ahead of the crucial national polls.
