‘No wealth can repay his life’: Dipu’s family rejects compensation, demands justice

The family of Dipu Chandra Das, who was beaten to death before his body was set on fire in Mymensingh’s Bhaluka by a mob who alleged he insulted Islam, has reiterated the demand for justice.

The murder occurred on Dec 18 last year.

The family reacted after the government announced a compensation of Tk 5 million to the family.

“Why Tk 5 million? Even if all the money in the world cannot compensate for the loss of my son,” said his father Rabi Chandra Das on Wednesday.

“We want to see the killers of my son punished. We want the trial to set an example so that no other parents in the country have to suffer our fate in the future,” he said.

On Tuesday, the government announced housing aid of Tk 2.5 million for Dipu’s family, with instructions that the house would be built by the National Housing Authority.

The announcement also stated that Dipu’s father and wife would each receive Tk 1 million, and an FDR worth Tk 500,000 would be opened in his child’s name.

Dipu’s family became aware of the government’s promises immediately after they were made.

“Dipu was the only breadwinner in our family. I never imagined he would be killed like this.

“What was his fault? If someone had insulted religion, the law of the country could have taken its course. We could not save our son simply because we are poor,” his father said.

Dipu’s murder has completely devastated his mother and wife, who spend most of their time crying and are unable to sleep, he added.

“They are on sleeping medication, but they only manage to sleep for two or three hours at a time before waking up. This is how life has been for us.”

Mymensingh Additional Police Superintendent Md Abdullah Al Mamun confirmed the arrest of 22 suspects so far in connection with Dipu’s murder.

Dipu’s younger brother Apu Das filed a case on Dec 19, accusing 150 unidentified suspects.

He worked for a readymade garment factory in Bhaluka.