Khokon Das was attacked and set on fire in Bangladesh (Photo-X)
Digital Desk, Dhaka. A Hindu businessman was fatally attacked on New Year's Eve in Shariatpur district of Bangladesh. The attackers attacked 50-year-old Khokan Chandra Das with sharp weapons, then poured petrol on him and set him on fire. Seriously injured Khokan saved his life by jumping into a nearby pond. He is currently battling for his life in a hospital in Dhaka.
The incident occurred near Keurbhanga market in Koneshwar Union of Damudya upazila at around 9:30 pm on December 31. Khokan Chandra Das runs a medicine shop and mobile banking business. While returning home after closing the shop, the attackers surrounded him, beat him badly and stabbed him. After this, he poured petrol on his head and face and set him on fire.
I appeal to the government for help – victim's wife
The victim's wife Seema Das told NDTV, "We have no dispute with anyone. We don't understand why my husband was suddenly targeted. They had recognized two of the attackers, so they poured petrol on his head and face and set them on fire." Crying, Seema further said, "We are Hindus, we just want to live peacefully. The attackers were Muslims. The police is trying to arrest them. I appeal to the government for help."
Seema Das told that Khokan has undergone surgery on one eye and he will be shifted to ICU. She has three children and needs at least six units of blood to stabilize. She was holding her youngest son tightly as they spoke in the hospital.
Police investigation and identification
According to local media 'Prothom Alo', the police have identified the two attackers and efforts are on to arrest them. Damudya police station official said that the matter is under investigation. Some locals did not describe it as communal, but the fear prevalent in the area is clearly visible—most people are requesting anonymity.
Increasing incidents of attacks on minorities
This attack is the fourth major attack on Hindus in the last two weeks. In December, Dipu Chandra Das was beaten to death by a mob on false charges of blasphemy and his body was set on fire. Similarly, Amrit Mandal and Bajendra Biswas were murdered. There has been an increase in violence against minorities, especially Hindus, during the tenure of the interim government of Muhammad Yunus. Human rights organizations have reported hundreds of attacks in 2025, including attacks on temples, looting and arson.