Hindu Businessman Dies After Petrol Attack in Bangladesh

Institute Professor Dr. “Khokon Das, who was injured in the fire attack in Damudya Upazila in Shariapur, passed away at 7.20 am this morning at the National Burn Institute,” Shaon Bin Rahman told ANI over phone.

Hospital sources said Das had been under treatment for about three days and had burns on about 30 percent of his body and serious injuries to his face and respiratory tract. Officials said formalities were ongoing to return the body to his home in the village.

Das’ nephew Pranto Das told ANI that the family has been demanding a proper investigation and justice. He said that none of the perpetrators should be allowed to escape and that those identified should be arrested immediately.

Earlier, Das’ wife Seema Das collapsed while talking to ANI. The woman, holding her baby child in her arms, said that she was attacked by traitors as she was about to enter her husband’s house. “My husband was stopped by a crowd, doused with gasoline and set on fire. He lived a peaceful life and had no enmity with anyone. We cannot understand the reason for the attack,” she said.

According to local newspaper Prothom Alo, the attack took place around 9.30 pm on New Year’s Eve near Keurbhanga Bazar in Koneshwar Union of Damudya. While Das was returning home after closing his shop, a group of attackers allegedly stopped him, attacked him with sharp weapons, poured gasoline on him and set him on fire.

In a desperate attempt to save himself, Das jumped into a nearby pond. Citizens who heard their screams came to the scene and forced the attackers to escape. As his condition worsened, he was first taken to Shariatpur Sadar Hospital and later transferred to Dhaka.

Shariatpur Sadar Hospital doctor Nazrul Islam said Das had multiple injuries, including serious abdominal wounds and burns on his face, head and hands.

Damudya police said Das, a resident of Tiloi village, also ran a mobile banking business. Officer-in-Charge Mohammad Rabiul Haque said two suspects, identified as local residents Rabbi and Sohag, have been named and efforts are on to arrest them and identify others involved in the incident.

The murder comes at a time of growing concern about violence against members of the Hindu community in Bangladesh. Multiple incidents resulting in the death of Hindu individuals in recent weeks have sparked outrage and condemnation from political leaders, religious groups and minority organizations in Bangladesh and India.