The US state department on Sunday denounced the recent communal violence in Bangladesh as "horrific," condemning the mob killing of Dipu Chandra Das, a Hindu garment worker, and urging an unequivocal stand against religious hatred.Responding to IANS, a state department spokesperson said, "The United States supports religious freedom and freedoms of expression, peaceful assembly, and association." The spokesperson added, "The United States unequivocally condemns religious violence in all its forms, and we welcome measures the Bangladeshi interim government is taking to ensure the safety and security for all communities in Bangladesh.
The statement comes amid growing concern in Washington and among advocacy groups over the killing of Hindu worker Das and what they describe as a broader pattern of attacks on minority communities in Bangladesh.Also read: Born in protest, trapped in turmoil: A tale of two Decembers - How Bangladesh is back where it startedUS lawmakers have also spoken out. Congressman Ro Khanna called the killing "horrific" and urged clear condemnation of religious hatred. "The killing of Dipu Chandra Das, a 27-year-old Hindu garment worker in Bangladesh, is horrific, and my thoughts and prayers are with his friends and family," Khanna wrote on X.
"We must unequivocally condemn and speak out against these vile acts of hatred and bigotry," he added.Dipu Chandra Das, a garment worker from Bhaluka, was killed on December 18 after a mob accused him of blasphemy. He was beaten to death and his body set ablaze.The incident has intensified scrutiny of the situation facing religious minorities in Bangladesh, particularly Hindus, amid political upheaval in the country.
Advocacy groups report a rise in attacks, citing incidents of mob violence, vandalism, and intimidation across several regions.While the State Department did not provide details on diplomatic engagements with Dhaka, its response emphasised Washington's condemnation of religious violence and welcomed steps by Bangladesh’s interim authorities to strengthen security for all communities.