A shocking case has emerged from Bhaluka, Mymensingh, where 28-year-old garment worker Dipu Chandra Das was brutally beaten to death after being coerced into resigning from his job over allegations of religious defamation. The incident has sent ripples of outrage across the district.

On Saturday (20 December), RAB-14 Director Naimul Hasan disclosed startling details while informing journalists about the arrests of ten individuals connected to the case. According to Hasan, before the attack, the floor manager of Pioneer Knitwears BD Limited compelled Das to resign from his position. Following this, Das was handed over to an agitated crowd, who carried out the violent assault.

So far, the floor manager, Alamgir Hossain (38), along with the factory’s quality in-charge, Miraj Hossain Akon (46), have been arrested in connection with the incident. Director Hasan elaborated, “The incident began around 4 p.m. The factory’s floor in-charge forced Dipu to submit his resignation. Instead of ensuring his safety or handing him over to the police, he handed Dipu to the angry mob. We have arrested these two for their failure to protect him.”

Responding to further inquiries, Hasan added, “Despite repeated attempts, no one has been able to clarify who instigated the crowd or what exactly was said. We are investigating whether prior animosity or personal vendettas contributed to the attack. The brutal killing—beating, hanging, and setting a person on fire—cannot be justified under any law. The government and law enforcement authorities do not condone such acts.”

While the formal investigation falls under the local police, RAB is conducting a parallel ‘shadow investigation’ to support the inquiry. In addition to the two factory officials, eight other individuals have been arrested: Tarek Hossain (19), Limon Sarkar, Manik Mia (20), Ershad Ali (39), Nijhum Uddin (20), Azmal Hasan Sagir (26), Shahin Mia (19), and Md Nazmul. The last three were apprehended by the district detective police. Director Hasan confirmed that none of the accused are affiliated with any political party, and efforts are ongoing to arrest remaining suspects.

The tragic incident occurred on Thursday night when the young worker was physically assaulted over alleged religious remarks. His body was later set ablaze. In response, angry locals blocked the Dhaka–Mymensingh highway for nearly two hours. Police intervened, recovered the partially burnt body, and sent it to Mymensingh Medical College Hospital for autopsy.

Following the incident, Das’s younger brother, Apu Chandra Das, filed a murder case at Bhaluka Model Police Station on Friday, naming 150 unidentified individuals as suspects.

Table: Key Arrests in Valuka Murder Case