Just days after the killings of Dipu Chandra Das and Bajendra Biswas, another brutal attack has shaken Bangladesh’s Hindu community. This time, attackers targeted a Hindu businessman in Damudya, in Shariatpur district.

The victim suffered severe injuries after attackers poured petrol on him and set him on fire.

According to Prothom Alo, the injured man is 50-year-old Khokon Chandra Das. The attack happened around 9.30 pm on Wednesday near Keurbhanga Bazar in Koneshwar Union. After the incident, doctors shifted him to Dhaka for advanced treatment.

Who Is Khokon Chandra Das?

Police sources told Prothom Alo that Khokon Chandra Das lives in Tilai village, Ward No. 3 of Koneshwar Union. He runs a medicine shop at Keurbhanga Bazar. He also operates a mobile banking service from the same place.

Every night, he closes his shop and returns home with the day’s earnings.

How the Attack Unfolded

On Wednesday night, Das closed his shop and boarded a CNG-powered autorickshaw. He was travelling along the Damudya–Shariatpur road.

Meanwhile, a group of miscreants stopped the vehicle near Keurbhanga Bazar. They dragged him out and assaulted him.

First, they attacked him with sharp weapons. As a result, he suffered multiple injuries. Then, they poured petrol on his head and body. After that, they set him on fire.

Victim Jumps Into Pond to Survive

To save his life, Das jumped into a nearby pond. Hearing his screams, local residents rushed to the spot. Because of this, the attackers fled.

Locals rescued Das and rushed him to Shariatpur Sadar Hospital around 10 pm. Later, doctors referred him to Dhaka due to the seriousness of his condition.

Doctors Confirm Serious Injuries

Doctors said Das suffered deep burns and severe wounds. Prothom Alo quoted Dr Nazrul Islam from Shariatpur Sadar Hospital as saying, “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.”

Attack Amid Political Instability

The attack comes during a period of political unrest in Bangladesh. The situation has remained tense since former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigned and left the country after student-led protests in July–August 2024.

Meanwhile, repeated attacks on Hindu citizens have raised fear among minority communities. The recent killings of Dipu Chandra Das and Bajendra Biswas have deepened these concerns.

Wife Explains Why Attackers Targeted Him

Khokon Chandra Das’s wife, Seema Das, said her husband recognised two of the attackers. Because of this, they tried to kill him.

She told Prothom Alo, "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."

Police Start Investigation

Police have launched an investigation and begun searching for the attackers. Damudya Police Station Officer-in-Charge Mohammad Rabiul Haque confirmed police action.

He told Prothom Alo, "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."

Authorities said they will take strict action once they identify all suspects.