Three Arrested in Brutal Killing of Hindu Businessman in Bangladesh

Bangladesh authorities on Sunday arrested three men in connection with the hacking and burning to death of a Hindu businessman in Shariatpur district, a case that has heightened concerns over the safety of religious minorities in the country.

The arrests were carried out by a team of the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), which detained the accused from Kishoreganj district, around 100 kilometres northeast of Dhaka. The arrested individuals were identified as Sohag Khan (27), Rabbi Molya (21), and Palash Sardar (25). They were being brought to the RAB camp in Madaripur for further legal proceedings.

The victim, Khokon Chandra Das (50) , owned a medicine shop and also worked as a mobile banking agent. On Wednesday night, Das was travelling in an autorickshaw near Keurbhanga Bazar in Damudya when the vehicle was intercepted by the attackers. He was allegedly beaten, hacked with sharp weapons, doused with petrol and set on fire.

In a desperate attempt to save himself, Das reportedly jumped into a roadside pond as locals raised an alarm. The assailants fled the scene. Local residents rescued Das and rushed him to Shariatpur Sadar Hospital, from where he was referred to Dhaka due to the severity of his injuries.

Doctors said Das suffered multiple deep wounds, including a serious abdominal injury, along with extensive burn injuries to his face, head and hands. He succumbed to his injuries on Saturday.

In a crucial development, police said Das was conscious for a period after the attack and was able to name his attackers before his death , a statement that played a key role in identifying and arresting the accused.

Das’ killing marks the fifth death of a member of the Hindu community since December , according to minority rights groups. The Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council has said the incident reflects a growing pattern of intimidation and violence against minority communities, renewing demands for stronger protection and swift justice.