Taslima Nasrin strongly reacts to Dipon Chandra Das' murder, demands abolition of blasphemy law

Kolkata: Taslima Nasrin, a Bangladeshi exiled author, has reiterated her demand for the abolition of blasphemy laws, strongly condemning the brutal murder of a Hindu youth, Dipu Chandra Das, in Mymensingh, Bangladesh. She said that these laws are being openly misused to justify violence in the name of blasphemy, and it is time for society to criminalize it.

Taslima Nasrin expressed her reaction on her social media account, saying that many people have been beaten or burned alive by mobs on charges of blasphemy. It should now be clearly acknowledged that blasphemy is not a crime, and those who commit violence in its name are the real culprits and should be given the harshest punishment.

Referring to the repeated incidents of mob violence, Taslima Nasrin said that people are being killed on mere allegations. She highlighted the growing threat of religious fanaticism, the misuse of blasphemy laws, and the serious danger faced by secular voices and minorities in Bangladesh.

She said that in a civilized country, blasphemy cannot be a crime. Laws are needed to punish those who kill the innocent, rather than being a means of instigating mobs.

Taslima Nasrin termed Dipu Chandra Das's murder as a conspiracy, saying that a false accusation made after a minor dispute with a companion turned into violence. She questioned how the mob managed to catch Dipu when he was under police protection. She also raised serious questions about the role of the police in the case, which includes suspicion of inaction or complicity.

She said that Dipu was completely innocent, and a single accusation sparked the frenzy of violence. Taslima described the situation of minorities in Bangladesh as extremely insecure, saying that the poor have no country, no protection, and no refuge. Dipu was the sole breadwinner of his family, and his family had no means to flee to India.

Taslima Nasrin once again alleged that various governments are using religion for political gain and have consistently failed to punish those who commit violence against minorities.