Hindu businessman brutally attacked, set on fire in Bangladesh

A 50-year-old Hindu businessman, Khokon Chandra Das, was brutally attacked, hacked with sharp weapons, and set on fire by miscreants in Damudya upazila of Shariatpur district on Wednesday night, December 31, 2025 , police said. The incident was reported by the media on Thursday, January 2, 2026 .

Das was returning home after closing his medicine shop and mobile banking business near Keurbhanga Bazar when the attackers intercepted his autorickshaw, assaulted him, and poured petrol on his head before setting him ablaze, according to police and reports by Bengali daily Prothom Alo.

In a desperate bid to save his life, Das jumped into a roadside pond, prompting locals to raise an alarm. He was rescued and initially taken to Shariatpur Sadar Hospital, but due to the severity of his injuries, he was referred to Dhaka for advanced treatment.

Dr. Nazrul Islam of the emergency department at Shariatpur Sadar Hospital said Das suffered multiple injuries, including severe abdominal wounds and burns on his face, head, and hands.

Speaking to the media, Das’ wife, Seema Das, expressed shock over the attack and said the family could not understand why he was targeted. She added that her husband had recognized two of the assailants, suggesting a possible motive.

Police have named two men, Rabbi and Sohag, in connection with the attack , but they have not yet been arrested . Efforts are ongoing to apprehend them and identify others involved. The preliminary investigation indicates the attack may have been personal, as the victim reportedly recognized the assailants, though authorities have not confirmed the exact motive.

This attack comes amid a wave of violence against Hindus in Bangladesh. On December 18, 2025 , 25-year-old Dipu Chandra Das was lynched and his body set on fire in Mymensingh city over alleged blasphemy. A week later, on December 24, 2025 , another Hindu man, Amrit Mondal, was lynched over alleged extortion in Rajbari town’s Pangsha upazila.

According to the 2022 census, the Hindu population in Bangladesh stands at around 13.13 million, accounting for roughly 7.95% of the total population. The recent spate of attacks has raised concerns over the safety of minority communities in the country.