- By Shivangi Sharma
- Thu, 01 Jan 2026 06:25 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
A Hindu businessman, Khokon Chandra Das, was severely injured after being attacked by a group of men in Bangladesh’s Shariatpur district on the night of December 31. Das, 50, who runs a pharmacy in the Keorbhanga area of Kaneshwar Union, was returning home when the assailants reportedly stabbed him with sharp weapons and attempted to set him on fire using petrol. In a desperate bid to survive, Das jumped into a nearby pond and raised an alarm, prompting villagers to rush to his aid.
He sustained serious burn and weapon injuries and was rushed to a hospital, where he is currently undergoing treatment. Authorities have not yet confirmed whether any arrests have been made.
He sustained severe burns to his face and right hand, along with multiple stab wounds. Initially treated at Shariatpur Sadar Hospital, his condition worsened, and he was transferred to Dhaka Medical College Hospital, where he remains critical. Police said the attackers targeted his pharmacy to loot it, and tried to kill him after he recognised one of them.
Pattern Of Attacks On Hindu Community
The assault on Khokon Das is the latest in a string of violent attacks targeting members of Bangladesh’s Hindu minority in recent weeks. On December 24, a 29-year-old Hindu youth, Amrit Mondal, was allegedly lynched by a mob in the Hossaindanga area of Kalimohar Union.
Earlier, on December 18, another chilling incident shook the country when 25-year-old Dipu Chandra Das was lynched by a mob in Bhaluka Upazila of Mymensingh. The attack followed false blasphemy allegations reportedly made by a coworker. The mob killed Das, hung his body from a tree, and then set it on fire, triggering outrage within Bangladesh and protests in India.
Political Turmoil And Diplomatic Strain
These incidents have unfolded against the backdrop of significant political upheaval in Bangladesh following the ouster of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, who fled to India in August after anti-government protests. She was later sentenced to death in absentia over her alleged role in a violent crackdown.
Relations between India and Bangladesh have since deteriorated. Dhaka summoned Indian High Commissioner Pranay Verma multiple times, while India raised concerns over the security of minorities by summoning Bangladesh’s envoy.