Hindu Man Set on Fire in Bangladesh Amid Rising Violence

A Hindu businessman in Bangladesh's Shariatpur district suffered severe injuries after a group of assailants attacked him and set him on fire on New Year's Eve. The incident, which occurred around 9:30 PM in the Damudya area near Keurbhanga Bazar, has intensified concerns about a recent surge in mob violence targeting the Hindu community in the country.

The victim, identified as Khokon Chandra Das, aged 50, was reportedly ambushed while returning home after closing his pharmacy and mobile banking business. According to reports from the news agency ANI and local media, the attackers stopped his auto-rickshaw on the Damudya–Shariatpur road and assaulted him with sharp weapons before pouring petrol on him and igniting it.

In a desperate bid to escape, Das managed to jump into a nearby pond. Local residents, hearing his cries, rushed to help and drove the attackers away. He was subsequently transported to Shariatpur Sadar Hospital for emergency treatment before being referred to Dhaka for advanced care due to the critical nature of his injuries.

Sima Das, the victim's wife, expressed her confusion and distress over the attack, stating, "My husband returns home every night with the day's earnings. We do not understand why he was targeted. He recognised two of the attackers, leading to this brutal assault. We have no known enemies in the area."

Medical personnel at Shariatpur Sadar Hospital reported that Das had sustained multiple injuries, including significant abdominal trauma and severe burns on his face and hands. Doctor Nazrul Islam remarked on the gravity of the situation, indicating that the abdominal injury was particularly concerning.

Authorities from the Damudya Police Station confirmed that they were actively investigating the incident. Officer-in-Charge Mohammad Rabiul Haque stated, "Upon receiving information about the attack, we responded immediately. We have identified two suspects, Rabbi and Sohag, who are local residents, and efforts are ongoing to apprehend them and any other individuals involved in this assault."

This violent event marks the fourth reported attack against members of the Hindu community in just 15 days, raising alarms over a concerning trend of targeted violence. Previous incidents included the lynching of Dipu Chandra Das, a garment factory worker, on December 18, and the murder of Amrit Mondal, a youth in Rajbari, over alleged extortion disputes.

Human rights advocates are increasingly alarmed by the escalation of violence against Hindus in Bangladesh. The spate of attacks has prompted calls for international attention and action, as fears grow that the Hindu minority is facing systematic and unchecked violence. Many are calling for greater accountability and protection for vulnerable communities, warning that the ongoing violence could lead to further deterioration of social harmony in the country.

The recent attacks have drawn condemnation from political leaders and religious organisations, both in Bangladesh and India, reflecting widespread concern over the safety and rights of religious minorities. As the situation develops, the international community is urged to monitor the events closely and advocate for the protection of all citizens, regardless of their faith.