The series of attacks on the minority Hindu community in Bangladesh continues unabated. The latest distressing incident involves Hindu businessman Khokon Chandra Das, who was cornered, beaten, stabbed, and set on fire with petrol by a furious mob outside his home. Khokon Das, who incurred severe burns covering about 30% of his body, is fighting for his life in intensive care at a hospital in Dhaka.
His wife, Seema Das, holding her newborn, broke down in tears as she recounted how the attack took place just as her husband was about to reach home. In an interview with the news agency ANI, she shared, “My husband is a peaceful man with no enemies. We cannot comprehend why he was targeted like this.”
Jumped into a Pond to Save His Life, But Severely Burned
According to family members, the attack on Khokon Das occurred around 8:30 PM on a Wednesday night. His sister, Anjana Rani Das, reported that the attackers initially hit him on the head with sticks before dousing him in petrol and setting him on fire. She stated, “He cried for help and, in a desperate attempt to save himself, jumped into a nearby pond, but was severely burned by then.”
Khokon Das's nephew, Saurabh Das, explained that the family rushed to the hospital as soon as they received the news. “My uncle's face and hands are terribly burned. The police have arrived at the scene and commenced an investigation,” he said.
Another nephew, Pranto Das, described the attack as a premeditated attempt on his uncle’s life and demanded strict action against the perpetrators. “My uncle had no enmity with anyone. This was a deliberate attack with the intent to kill. He is in the ICU in a really grave condition,” he stated.
The Fourth Major Attack on Hindus in Two Weeks
Khokon Das fell victim to this attack during a time when the minority Hindu community in Bangladesh is already living under the shadow of fear and insecurity. This incident marks the fourth major assault on Hindus in the span of two weeks.
Just the day before, in Mymensingh, a Hindu security guard named Bajendra Biswas was shot dead. Reports indicate that the attacker asked, “Should I shoot you?” before pulling the trigger. Both Biswas and the accused were employed as guards at the same company.
Additionally, Amrit Mandal was reportedly lynched recently, while factory worker Dipu Chandra Das was killed over blasphemy allegations, stirring international concern and criticism.
India Expresses Grave Concern
The Indian government has already expressed grave concern over the “persistent and severe hostility” against minorities in Bangladesh. This recent attack on Khokon Das raises yet more alarm about the safety of Hindus in Bangladesh.
