A 50-year-old Hindu businessman was brutally assaulted in Damudya upazila of Shariatpur district on Wednesday night, police said. The victim, Khokon Chandra Das, who runs a medicine shop and mobile banking service at Keurbhanga Bazar, was returning home in an auto rickshaw around 9:30 pm when a group of miscreants stopped him near Tiloi area, attacked him with sharp weapons and robbed him of cash.
Police added that the assailants poured a flammable substance on Das and set him on fire. Injured, he managed to jump into a nearby pond to save himself. Local residents, alerted by his cries, rescued him and rushed him to Shariatpur Sadar Hospital. He was later referred to Dhaka for advanced treatment due to critical injuries.
His wife, Seema Das, told local media that Khokon had recognised at least two of the attackers, which prompted them to try to kill him. Police have since identified two suspects, Rabbi and Sohag, both local residents, and said efforts are underway to arrest them.
The incident has heightened concern over the safety of minority communities in Bangladesh, following recent violent attacks including the mob lynching of Dipu Chandra Das and Amrit Mondal. Rights groups and community leaders have condemned the assault, urging swift justice and stronger protection measures.
