A Hindu businessman in Bangladesh has died three days after being brutally attacked and set on fire by a mob. The incident has sent shockwaves through the community and raised serious questions about the safety of religious minorities in the country.
Details of the Brutal Assault
Khokon Chandra Das, a 50-year-old pharmacy and mobile banking outlet owner, was attacked on Wednesday night. The assault occurred as he was returning home in an auto-rickshaw on the Damudya–Shariatpur road. According to police reports, his vehicle was intercepted by attackers.
The assailants dragged Das out, assaulted him with sharp weapons, and then poured petrol over him before setting him ablaze. In a desperate bid to save his life, the severely injured man jumped into a roadside pond. Local residents, alerted by his cries, rushed to the scene, forcing the attackers to flee.
Struggle for Survival and Eventual Death
Das was first taken to Shariatpur Sadar Hospital. Due to the critical nature of his severe burn injuries, he was later transferred to the specialized National Burn Institute in Dhaka for advanced treatment. Despite medical efforts, he succumbed to his injuries on Saturday.
Authorities have stated that Das, who operated his business in Keurbhanga Bazar, had no known history of disputes that could have motivated such a vicious attack. The police investigation into the incident is ongoing.
A Pattern of Violence Raises Alarm
This tragic death is not an isolated event. It occurs against a backdrop of multiple recent incidents of violence targeting the Hindu minority in Bangladesh. The pattern has drawn significant concern and condemnation from minority rights groups, community leaders, and political figures within the nation.
The killing of Khokon Das underscores a growing climate of fear and highlights urgent calls for stronger protection and justice for vulnerable communities. The incident demands a thorough investigation to bring the perpetrators to justice and prevent such tragedies in the future.
