Education Adviser Prof Dr CR Abrar on Tuesday said a vested quarter is attempting to destabilise the country by inciting violence to sabotage the upcoming national election, but the government will not bow to any pressure and will ensure a free, fair and inclusive election with the participation of all political parties.

He made the remarks while speaking to journalists after visiting the family of Dipu Chandra Das, who was killed in a mob lynching over allegations of blasphemy in Tarakanda upazila of Mymensingh.

“The government will not give in to any form of pressure. Certain miscreant groups are trying to create division and fuel unrest in the country. We must remain vigilant and ensure that such attempts do not succeed,” the adviser said.

Expressing condolences to the bereaved family, he assured them of full government support and said those responsible for the killing would be brought to justice through proper legal procedures.

The incident took place on December 18 in the Dubaliapara area of Bhaluka, where Dipu faced allegations of religious defamation. Tension spread in the area as news of the allegation circulated. At the time, Dipu was inside the Pioneer Knit Composite factory.

As a crowd gathered outside the factory, Dipu was allegedly forced to resign from his job. Around 9pm, he was taken out of the factory and beaten by an enraged mob, leaving him dead on the spot.

Following the incident, the victim’s younger brother, Apu Chandra Das, filed a case against 150 unnamed people with Bhaluka Model Police Station.

RAB and police have so far arrested 12 people, who have been placed on three-day remand by a Mymensingh court.