Dhaka / Shariatpur – A 40‑year‑old Hindu businessman was brutally beaten, stabbed and set on fire by a mob in Bangladesh’s Shariatpur district on New Year’s Eve, but he survived after jumping into a nearby pond, in a shocking incident that has intensified concerns over rising attacks on religious minorities in the country.

Attacked While Returning Home from Pharmacy

The victim, identified in local reports as Khokon Chandra Das, also referred to as Khokan Chandra, runs a pharmacy in Keurbhanga Bazar of Shariatpur district in central Bangladesh.

On December 31, at around 9 pm, he was returning home after closing his shop when a group of assailants intercepted him near the Tiloi area, dragged him aside and launched a violent assault, according to police and media accounts .

Beaten, Stabbed and Set on Fire

Witnesses and family members told reporters that the attackers first beat Khokon with sticks and sharp weapons before stabbing him repeatedly, including in the abdomen and head, leaving him bleeding on the roadside .

The mob then allegedly poured petrol over his body and set him ablaze, after which, in a desperate attempt to save his life, he managed to run and jump into a nearby pond, which extinguished the flames but left him with severe burn injuries to his face, head and hands .

Critical, Shifted to Dhaka Medical College Hospital

Locals rushed to the spot after hearing his cries for help, pulled him out of the pond and took him first to Shariatpur Sadar Hospital, where doctors described his condition as critical due to multiple stab wounds and burn injuries.

He was later shifted to Dhaka Medical College Hospital for specialised treatment, with doctors monitoring deep burns and internal injuries, as per reports quoting hospital sources.

Family Demands Justice, Names Suspects

Khokon’s wife, Seema Das, said the family had no enmity with anyone and could not understand the motive behind the attack, but claimed her husband recognised at least two of the attackers before losing consciousness.

“My husband is a simple man; he did not harm anyone. We just want justice,” she was quoted as saying, adding that the family is living in fear after the incident.

Fourth Attack on Hindus in Two Weeks

Rights groups and local media have pointed out that this is the fourth attack on members of the Hindu minority in Bangladesh within roughly two weeks, amid wider unrest and communal tension in the country.

Earlier incidents included the lynching and burning of a young Hindu man in Mymensingh district after blasphemy allegations and the killing of another Hindu security guard at a garment factory, events that have heightened fear among minority communities.

Police Case Registered, Suspects Identified

Damudya Police Station Officer‑in‑Charge Mohammad Rabiul Haque told local media that a case has been registered, naming at least two suspects identified as Rabbi and Sohag, with efforts underway to trace and arrest all those involved in the attack.

Police said they are examining the possibility of a targeted attack and are also probing whether there was any prior dispute or organised attempt to terrorise the local Hindu population in the area.

Growing Alarm Over Minority Safety

Human‑rights organisations have condemned the incident, stating that repeated attacks on Hindus, temples and minority businesses show a worrying pattern of impunity and inadequate protection by law‑enforcement agencies in Bangladesh.

Commentators say the interim government, already under pressure due to political unrest and protests, faces fresh questions over its ability to prevent mob violence and safeguard vulnerable communities.

Last updated: January 02, 2026