Mob Stabs and Burns Hindu Businessman to Death in Bangladesh

Khokon Chandra Das, a Hindu businessman from Shariatpur, died on Saturday morning while undergoing treatment at the National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery in Dhaka. He had been critically injured after a mob attacked him with sharp weapons and set him on fire on New Year’s Eve.

Hospital authorities said Das succumbed to his injuries at around 7:20 am after battling for his life for more than three days.

“Khokon Chandra Das, who was injured in a fire attack in Damudya Upazila of Shariatpur, died at 7:20 this morning at the National Burn Institute,” Dr Shaon Bin Rahman, professor at the institute, told ANI.

Doctors said Das suffered severe injuries to his face and respiratory tract, with nearly 30 per cent of his body sustaining burns. Authorities said formalities were underway to hand over his body to his family.

Details of the Attack

The attack took place on December 31 at around 9:30 pm near Keurbhanga Bazar in Koneshwar Union of Damudya Upazila, Shariatpur district, according to local daily Prothom Alo.

Das was returning home after closing his pharmacy when a group of assailants allegedly stopped him, stabbed him with sharp weapons, doused him with petrol, and set him on fire. In a desperate attempt to save himself, Das jumped into a roadside pond.

Hearing his screams, local residents rushed to the scene, forcing the attackers to flee.

Das was initially taken to Shariatpur Sadar Hospital, where he received emergency treatment. As his condition deteriorated, doctors referred him to Dhaka later that night.

Nazrul Islam, an emergency physician at Shariatpur Sadar Hospital, said Das suffered burns on his hands, face, and the back of his head, along with a serious abdominal injury.

Police Investigation

According to police, Das lived in Tiloi village under Koneshwar Union and operated a Mobile Banking business at Keurbhanga Bazar. The attackers reportedly stopped the autorickshaw he was travelling in on the Damudya–Shariatpur road.

Damudya Police Station Officer-in-Charge Mohammad Rabiul Haque said two suspects have been identified.

“We rushed to the spot after receiving information about a violent attack on a trader at Keurbhanga Bazar. Two attackers have been identified by name — Rabbi and Sohag. They are local residents and are currently absconding,” he said, adding that efforts are underway to identify others involved.

Family Demands Justice

Das’s nephew-in-law, Pranto Das, told ANI that the family is demanding justice and a thorough investigation into the killing.

“Those who have already been identified must be arrested immediately. None of the perpetrators should be allowed to escape,” he said.

Das’s wife, Seema Das, said her husband had no known disputes or enmity.

“My husband was attacked with sharp weapons, doused with petrol, and set on fire just as he was about to enter our home. He lived a peaceful life and had no conflict with anyone. We cannot understand why this happened,” she said.

Rising Concern Over Attacks on Hindus

Das’s death has intensified concerns over rising violence against Hindus in Bangladesh. In recent months, several similar incidents have been reported.

Last month, a Hindu youth named Amrit Mondal was lynched in Rajbari over allegations of extortion. In another incident, Dipu Chandra Das, a garment factory worker in Mymensingh, was beaten to death by a mob over accusations of blasphemy.

Political leaders, religious groups, and minority rights organisations in both Bangladesh and India have expressed shock and strongly condemned the recent acts of mob violence.