Mob-Style Violence Against Minorities Escalates as Another Man Burned Alive in Bangladesh

Just days after the brutal killing of garment worker Dipu Chandra Das in Mymensingh—where he was beaten to death on allegations of blasphemy and his body was set on fire—another similarly horrific attack on a minority individual has occurred in Shariatpur. In Damudya upazila, an attempt was made to kill Khokon Chandra Das (50), a village doctor and medicine shop owner, by stabbing him and then setting him on fire after pouring petrol on his body. This incident has created extreme fear and a sense of insecurity among the minority community.

According to police and local sources, on Wednesday night (31 December) at around 9:30 pm, miscreants attacked Khokon Chandra Das while he was returning home after closing his shop near Keurbhanga Bazar in Koneshwar Union of Damudya upazila. They stabbed him in the lower abdomen and head, robbed him of cash and his mobile phone, and then poured petrol on his body and set him on fire. Locals believe the attackers attempted to kill him because he had recognized them.

To save his life, Khokon Chandra Das jumped into nearby water, which extinguished the fire. Local people quickly rescued him and took him to Shariatpur Sadar Hospital. As his condition deteriorated, doctors advised transferring him to Dhaka Medical College Hospital. He is currently undergoing treatment in critical condition with severe burn injuries. His face and right hand have been badly burned.

Damdudya Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Rabiul Islam confirmed the incident, stating that the injured Khokon Chandra Das is the son of Paresh Chandra Das of Tiloi village. He operates a medicine shop and a mobile banking business at Keurbhanga Bazar. Police have visited the scene, and the case filing process is underway.

Khokon’s wife, Seema Das, said, “When I reached the spot after hearing the news, I saw my husband’s body burning. His condition is critical. We demand the immediate arrest of the attackers and exemplary punishment.”

Human rights activists have expressed concern due to the alarming similarity between this incident and the killing of Dipu Chandra Das. According to them, the continued violence and mob-driven brutality against minority communities are becoming a serious threat to state security and the rule of law.