The family of a Bangladeshi businessman is reeling from a horrific and unprovoked attack that has left him fighting for his life with severe burn injuries. Khokon Chandra Das, a resident of Shariatpur district, was set on fire by a mob near his home in an incident described as shocking and senseless.
A Peaceful Life Shattered by Violence
Speaking to news agency ANI, Das's wife, Seema Das, broke down while recounting the terrifying moments. She stated that her husband was targeted just as he was about to enter their house after closing his shops for the day. Das runs a medicine shop and a mobile banking business in the Keurbhanga Bazar area of Kaneshwar Union, Damudya.
"My husband, who is a businessman, was entering the house when he was attacked by a mob, doused with gasoline, and set on fire," she said, holding her infant child. She emphasized that Das is a patient man who leads a peaceful life with no known enmity, leaving the family completely baffled about the motive behind the brutal assault.
Horrific Details of the Assault Emerge
Das's sister, Anjana Rani Das, provided chilling details of the attack, which occurred around 8:30 PM local time. She described how the crowd first hit him on the head, then poured gasoline over him before igniting it. "He tried to jump into the water while crying for help," she said, painting a picture of the sheer horror her brother endured.
Local residents eventually rescued Das and rushed him to Shariatpur Sadar Hospital for initial treatment. As his condition deteriorated, he was referred to a hospital in Dhaka the same night. Medical reports indicate he suffered approximately 30 per cent burn injuries and remains in a critical condition in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).
Family Demands Justice and Investigation
Two of Das's nephews have spoken out vehemently about the incident. Sourabh Das recounted rushing to the hospital upon receiving the call, finding his uncle's face and hands severely burnt. Pranto Das was more direct in his demand for accountability. "We want a thorough investigation and criminals to be brought to justice. The bloodthirsty mob came to him with the intent of murder," he asserted.
Police authorities have confirmed that an investigation is underway to identify and arrest all individuals involved in the attack. The incident has sent shockwaves through the local community and beyond.
A Pattern of Alarming Violence
This assault is not an isolated event but part of a disturbing series of violent incidents targeting members of the Hindu minority in Bangladesh. These attacks have drawn widespread condemnation and concern from human rights observers.
In a separate and deadly incident on December 18, a garment factory worker named Dipu Chandra Das was killed in Mymensingh district over blasphemy accusations; his body was subsequently hanged and burned. Furthermore, a Hindu youth named Amrit Mondal was lynched in Hosendanga village, Rajbari, due to an alleged extortion dispute.
The attack on Khokon Chandra Das underscores a climate of fear and highlights urgent calls for stronger protection of minority communities and swift judicial action against perpetrators of such hate-driven violence.
