In an alarming incident, an 18-year-old Hindu boy, Utsab Mandal, was brutally lynched in Khulna, Bangladesh, on the night of September 4, 2024.
The incident took place in the Sonadanga residential area. The mob was fueled by allegations of blasphemy against the youth, who was accused of making derogatory remarks about Prophet Muhammad on social media.
The mob violence reportedly unfolded in the presence of both military personnel and police, and related videos have surfaced on social media.
Initial reports from Bangladeshi media outlets detailed the incident but were later removed, suggesting an attempt to control the narrative or mitigate international backlash.
The lynching incident comes at a time when Bangladesh has seen a surge in violence against its Hindu minority, especially following political changes and the ousting of the previous government led by Sheikh Hasina.
The newly elected government, under different leadership, has faced criticism for not adequately protecting minority rights, with reports of increased attacks on Hindus since the political transition.
The international community, including human rights organizations, has called for a thorough investigation into the incident, demanding accountability for those involved in the lynching and questioning the state’s ability to ensure the safety of its religious minorities.