Khokon Chandra Das, a Hindu man who was brutally attacked, stabbed, and set on fire in Bangladesh’s Shariatpur district, has died while undergoing treatment in Dhaka, marking another alarming incident of lethal violence within days. His death follows the recent killing of Dipu Chandra Das, renewing concerns over targeted attacks and the safety of minority communities in the country.
Hospital authorities confirmed that Khokon Chandra Das died on the morning of January 3 at the National Burn and Plastic Surgery Institute in Dhaka. Bidhan Sarkar, head of the burn unit at Dhaka Medical College Hospital, said the victim had sustained burns to approximately 30 percent of his body. Due to the severity of his injuries, Khokon was transferred from Dhaka Medical College Hospital to the specialized burn institute for advanced treatment. Despite intensive medical care, his condition continued to deteriorate, and he eventually succumbed to his injuries.
Shariatpur Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) Tanvir Hossain also confirmed the death, stating that police had been in regular contact with hospital authorities. “We have learned that he has died. The incident is under investigation, and those responsible will be brought to justice,” he said, adding that law enforcement agencies are continuing their inquiry.
Family members said Khokon had been battling for his life since late on December 31. Pranto Das, a close relative, told reporters that Khokon’s condition worsened sharply in the early hours of Saturday while he was being treated in the intensive care unit. “He died around 7:30 am while undergoing treatment in the ICU,” Pranto said.
Following his death, family members were seen at Shahbagh police station completing legal formalities. After the post-mortem examination, the body was scheduled to be taken to his native village for burial later the same day.
The attack occurred on the night of December 31 in the Koneshwar area of Damudya upazila. According to police and local residents, Khokon Das, a mobile banking agent who was also locally known as a drug dealer, was returning home after closing his shop when he was ambushed by assailants. He was first stabbed, after which the attackers allegedly poured petrol on his body and face and set him on fire in an apparent attempt to kill him. Hearing his screams, local residents rushed to the scene, prompting the attackers to flee.
Khokon was initially taken to a local medical facility before being transferred to Dhaka Medical College Hospital in critical condition. Doctors performed surgery on multiple parts of his body on Thursday afternoon. However, his health continued to decline due to severe burn injuries and other complications, leading to his death after three days of treatment.
Before his condition worsened, Khokon reportedly identified two of his attackers to investigators. They were named as Sohag Khan (27), son of Babul Khan, and Rabbi Molya (21), son of Shamsuddin Molya, both residents of the Koneshwar area. During the preliminary investigation, police also identified a third suspect, Palash Sardar (25), son of local resident Shaheed Sardar, as being involved in the attack.
Khokon Chandra Das’s father, Paresh Chandra Das, filed a case with Damudya Police Station late on December 31. The case names Sohag Khan, Rabbi Molya, and Palash Sardar as the accused. Police officials said efforts are underway to arrest those involved and collect further evidence.
The serial killing of Hindus have triggered fear and anger among local minority communities in Bangladesh, with calls for swift justice and stronger measures to ensure security. Rights groups, journalists, media outlets and world leaders are requested to immediately raise voice and exert pressure on Muhammad Yunus and his Islamist-jihadist cabal. Unless it is done forthwith, axis of Islamists and jihadists, under direct coordination of Pakistani spy agency Inter-Service Intelligence (ISI) shall continue such extreme cruelty on religious minorities in the country.
