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Lynching Of Garment Worker In Bangladesh Raises Alarming Questions On Labour Safety And Global Supply Chains

• By  Textile Excellence
• December 23, 2025

The brutal lynching of garment factory worker Dipu Chandra Das in Mymensingh has sent shockwaves through Bangladesh’s readymade garment sector, once again exposing deep concerns around worker safety, human rights, and factory level accountability in one of the world’s largest apparel sourcing hubs.

Dipu Das, a Hindu by religion, was employed at Pioneer Knitwears (BD) Limited (part of famous Badsha Group of Industries) in Bhaluka, Mymensingh, Bangladesh. According to Rapid Action Battalion disclosures, following allegations of blasphemy he was first forced to resign by the factory floor in-charge and then handed over to an enraged mob. He was subsequently beaten to death and his body was set on fire. Investigators have confirmed that the allegations remain unclear and no evidence has yet emerged to substantiate the claims. Ten individuals including factory officials and workers have been arrested so far.

The incident has drawn serious attention due to Bangladesh’s critical role in global apparel trade. The country exported garments worth approximately US$38.5 billion in 2024, making it the second largest apparel exporter globally. Europe remains the biggest market, accounting for over 50% of exports valued at nearly US$19.4 billion, followed by the United States at about US$7.2 billion. Major global brands sourcing from Bangladesh includes H&M, Zara, Primark, Gap, Walmart, Target, Nike, Adidas, Uniqlo, Levi’s, PVH and Decathlon, among others.

Human rights advocates warn that incidents such as the lynching of Dipu Das risk undermining buyer confidence at a time when global brands face increasing pressure to ensure ethical and transparent supply chains. International frameworks and regulations in the European Union and other markets require strict adherence to labour rights, workplace safety and due process. Any failure at the factory level directly impacts compliance across the value chain.

Despite progress since the Rana Plaza disaster, challenges persist in parts of the garment ecosystem, including weak grievance redressal systems, inadequate worker protection, and failure to involve law enforcement during workplace disputes. The Dipu Das case highlights how management decisions and mob violence can converge with fatal consequences.

Bangladesh’s garment industry could face reputational damage, and potential order shifts to competing sourcing countries and increased scrutiny from regulators and buyers if worker safety and human rights are not prioritised. Beyond economic risk, the incident raises a fundamental question about dignity, rule of law and protection for millions of workers who form the backbone of Bangladesh’s export economy. For a sector built on global trust and scale, safeguarding human rights, safe working conditions are no longer optional but essential for long term sustainability.

Human rights groups and labour advocates have condemned the killing, calling it a grave violation of fundamental rights and due process. Bangladesh garment factories employ millions of workers and supply leading global apparel brands. Observers say the incident highlights deep vulnerabilities faced by workers inside factory ecosystems where allegations can rapidly escalate into mob violence without legal intervention.