Dhaka: Fresh incidents targeting Hindu minorities in Bangladesh have sparked concern after a 50-year-old Hindu businessman was killed in a brutal attack in Shariatpur district. The victim, identified as Khokan Chandra Das, succumbed to his injuries on Saturday after battling for life for two days in hospital.
According to police and family members, Khokan Das, who ran a medical shop and provided mobile banking services, was returning home in an auto-rickshaw after closing his business on the night of December 31. When the vehicle reached the Tiloi area, a group of assailants stopped it, dragged him out and stabbed him repeatedly with knives. The attackers then allegedly poured petrol on his body and set him on fire, in an apparent attempt to ensure his death.
Severely injured, Das jumped into a nearby pond to escape the flames. Locals who heard his cries rushed to the scene, forcing the attackers to flee. He was initially taken to Shariatpur Sadar Hospital and later shifted to Dhaka Medical College Hospital as his condition worsened.
Doctors said Das suffered multiple stab wounds along with severe burn injuries to his face, head and hands. Despite intensive treatment, he succumbed to his injuries on January 2. His wife, Seema Das, told investigators that he was able to identify two of the attackers, identified as Rabbi and Sohag, before his death.
The incident is reported to be the fourth attack on members of the Hindu community in Bangladesh in the past two weeks. Local police have registered a case and launched a probe into the incident. Human rights organisations have condemned the killing and called on authorities to ensure strict punishment for those responsible and to strengthen protection for minority communities.