Khokon Chandra Das, a small trader who was attacked with sharp weapons and set on fire in Bangladesh, died on Monday while undergoing treatment at a hospital in Dhaka, his family confirmed. His death has once again drawn attention to the growing insecurity faced by minority communities in the country.
Attack while returning home
Khokon Das ran a medicine shop and also provided mobile banking services in his village, located about 150 km from Dhaka. On Wednesday night, after closing his shop, he was attacked while on his way home. According to his family, the assailants first assaulted him with sharp weapons and then set him on fire.
In a desperate effort to save himself, Das jumped into a nearby pond, which helped extinguish the flames that had severely burned his head and face. The attackers fled immediately after the incident. Local residents rushed him to a nearby hospital, from where doctors referred him to a larger hospital in Dhaka due to the seriousness of his injuries. Despite medical efforts, he succumbed to his wounds after battling for life for several days.
Family in shock, motive unclear
Das’ wife, Seema Das, earlier told NDTV that the family could not understand the reason behind the brutal assault.
“We have no dispute with anyone. We don’t know why my husband was suddenly targeted,” she said in Bangla, breaking down outside the hospital.
She later stated that her husband had recognised two of the attackers and appealed to the police and the Bangladesh government to ensure justice and protection for her family.
Rising concerns over minority safety
Khokon Das’ death has added to a series of recent incidents involving attacks on minority community members across Bangladesh. Several human rights organisations have expressed concern over what they describe as an increase in targeted violence and a climate of fear.
These incidents have taken place amid political uncertainty under the interim administration led by Muhammad Yunus. While authorities have maintained that minorities are being protected, ground reports and accounts from affected families suggest that insecurity persists.
India has repeatedly voiced serious concern over continued hostility against minorities in Bangladesh and has said it is closely monitoring developments in the neighbouring country.
Calls for justice
Rights groups have called for a swift, transparent investigation into the killing of Khokon Das and urged the authorities to take concrete steps to prevent further attacks and restore confidence among vulnerable communities.