A wave of shock has spread across Bangladesh after a Hindu businessman Khokon Chandra Das was brutally attacked and set on fire by a violent mob in the country’s Shariatpur district, deepening fears about the safety of religious minorities.
The victim, Khokon Chandra Das, 50, runs a small pharmacy in the Keorbhanga area of Kaneshwar Union. He was returning home on the night of December 31 when he was suddenly surrounded by a group of attackers.
What followed was a chilling act of brutality.
Mob Attack Leaves Hindu Pharmacist Fighting for His Life
According to local sources, the attackers first stabbed Das with sharp weapons before dousing him with petrol and trying to burn him alive. In a desperate attempt to save himself, Khokon Chandra Das jumped into a nearby pond and screamed for help.
His cries alerted villagers, who rushed to the scene and drove the attackers away. They immediately took him to Shariatpur Sadar Hospital.
Doctors said Das suffered severe burns to his face and right hand, along with multiple stab wounds. As his condition deteriorated, he was shifted to Dhaka Medical College Hospital, where he remains in critical condition.
Police Suspect Robbery Motive Behind Attack
Police believe the attackers were trying to loot Das’s pharmacy. Investigators say the assault turned deadly when Das recognized one of the attackers, prompting the mob to attempt to kill him.
So far, no arrests have been officially confirmed.
Authorities say the investigation is ongoing.
Pattern of Violent Attacks Against Hindu Community
The attack on Khokon Chandra Das is not an isolated incident. It is part of a disturbing pattern of violence targeting Bangladesh’s Hindu minority in recent weeks.
On December 24, a 29-year-old Hindu youth named Amrit Mondal was reportedly beaten to death by a mob in Kalimohar Union.
Earlier, on December 18, Dipu Chandra Das, 25, was lynched in Mymensingh after false blasphemy accusations. His body was hung from a tree and set on fire, triggering protests and international condemnation.
Human rights groups have warned that fear is spreading through Hindu neighborhoods as attacks become more frequent and brutal.
Political Crisis Adds to Minority Insecurity
These violent incidents come at a time of deep political instability in Bangladesh.
The country has been facing turmoil since former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was forced out of office following mass protests and later fled to India. The political vacuum has raised concerns over law and order, particularly for vulnerable minority groups.
India and Bangladesh have since exchanged diplomatic messages over the safety of religious minorities, further highlighting the seriousness of the situation.
Growing Calls for Protection and Justice
Community leaders are urging authorities to act swiftly and ensure justice for Khokon Das and other victims. Many fear that continued inaction could embolden extremist elements.
As Khokon Das battles for his life in a hospital bed, his story has become a symbol of the fear and uncertainty gripping Bangladesh’s Hindu community.
For now, his survival offers a glimmer of hope — but the wider crisis remains unresolved.