A shocking act of violence has shaken Bangladesh’s Shariatpur district after a Hindu businessman was brutally attacked, stabbed, and set on fire while returning home from work. The victim, Khokon Chandra Das, survived the deadly assault by jumping into a nearby pond. He is now receiving advanced medical treatment in Dhaka.
The incident has once again raised serious concerns over the safety of minority communities amid ongoing political and social unrest in the country.
What Happened in Damudya?
The attack took place around 9:30 PM on Wednesday near Keurbhanga Bazar in Koneshwar Union of Damudya. Khokon Chandra Das, a 50-year-old businessman, was returning home in a CNG-powered autorickshaw after closing his shop.
Das runs a medicine store and mobile banking business in the local market. Like every night, he had collected the day’s earnings and was heading home when a group of attackers stopped the vehicle on the Damudya–Shariatpur road.
Attackers Used Sharp Weapons and Petrol
The attackers dragged Das out of the autorickshaw and assaulted him with sharp weapons, and after injuring him, they poured petrol on his body and set him on fire.
Despite severe injuries, Das managed to break free and jumped into a pond beside the road. His quick action helped put out the flames and saved his life.
Hearing his cries, residents rushed to the spot. The attackers fled as people gathered.
Victim Rushed to Hospital, Shifted to Dhaka
Locals rescued Khokon Chandra Das and took him to Shariatpur Sadar Hospital around 10 PM. Doctors found multiple injury marks across his body, including serious wounds to his stomach.
He also suffered burn injuries on his face, hands, and the back of his head. Due to his critical condition, doctors referred him to Dhaka for advanced treatment.
“The person who was brought to the emergency department at night has injury marks on various parts of his body. He has been sent to Dhaka for advanced treatment as one of the injuries to his stomach is serious. He also has burn marks on his face, back of his head, and hands,” said Dr Nazrul Islam.
Wife Says Attackers Tried to Kill Him
The victim’s wife, Seema Das, said the attack came without any known dispute or warning. She believes the attackers tried to kill her husband because he recognised two of them.
“My husband closes the shop every night and returns home with the money from the day’s sales. Terrorists attacked him on Wednesday night. He recognized two of the attackers, which is why they hacked him to death, poured gasoline on his head and face, and set him on fire. We have no enemies in the area. We have no dispute with anyone on any issue. We don’t understand why the terrorists suddenly targeted my husband and attacked him,” she said.
Police Identify Suspects
Police reached the spot soon after receiving information about the attack. Officers said they have identified two attackers by name and are actively trying to arrest them.
“We went to the scene after receiving information about a terrorist attack on a businessman in Keurbhanga Bazar. The names of two of the attackers have been identified. Efforts are underway to arrest them. Efforts are being made to identify who else is involved in the incident,” said Damudya Police Station Officer-in-Charge Mohammad Rabiul Haque.
Growing Fear Among Minority Communities
This attack comes just days after the killings of Dipu Chandra Das and Bajendra Biswas, adding to growing fear among Hindu communities in Bangladesh.
The country continues to face instability following the resignation of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina after student-led protests in mid-2024. Many believe the current unrest has made minority communities more vulnerable to targeted violence.
As Khokon Chandra Das fights for his life, the incident has sparked renewed calls for stronger protection and swift justice for victims of such brutal attacks.