Thu Jan 01 23:32:44 UTC 2026: ## News Article: Hindu Businessman Brutally Attacked in Bangladesh Amid Rising Concerns for Minority Safety
Dhaka, Bangladesh – January 2, 2026: A Hindu businessman, Khokon Chandra Das, 50, was brutally attacked and set on fire in Shariatpur district, Bangladesh, on New Year’s Eve, authorities reported Thursday.
Das, who owns a medicine shop and mobile banking business, was ambushed near Keurbhanga Bazar in Damudya while returning home in an autorickshaw. According to police reports, attackers intercepted the vehicle, severely beat Das, hacked him with sharp weapons, poured petrol on his head, and ignited him.
Das managed to escape the immediate assault by jumping into a nearby pond, alerting locals who rescued him. He was initially treated at Shariatpur Sadar Hospital before being transferred to Dhaka for more advanced care due to the severity of his injuries, which include serious abdominal wounds and burn injuries to his face, head, and hands.
His wife, Seema Das, expressed disbelief at the attack, stating that the family is unsure why he was targeted. She claimed that her husband recognized two of the attackers.
Police have identified two suspects, Rabbi and Sohag, and are currently working to apprehend them and identify other individuals involved in the assault.
This incident follows two other recent violent acts against Hindu men in Bangladesh. On December 18th, Dipu Chandra Das, 25, was lynched and his body burned in Mymensingh city over alleged blasphemy. Just a week later, on December 24th, Amrit Mondal was lynched in Rajbari town over alleged extortion.
These attacks have heightened concerns for the safety of the Hindu minority community in Bangladesh, which comprises approximately 7.95% of the country’s population (13.13 million according to the 2022 census). The series of violent incidents comes amidst increasing concerns about the safety of minorities in the region.
First Piper 