The incident, which took place around 9:30 PM on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, has added to the growing concerns over the safety of religious minorities in Bangladesh. Das was returning home to Tiloi village in an auto-rickshaw after closing his shop at Keurbhanga Bazar when he was intercepted by a group of attackers on the Damudya-Shariatpur road.
Details of the Assault
According to his wife, Seema Das, the attackers acted with the intent to kill. She alleged that because Khokon recognized two of the men, they escalated the violence to cover their tracks.
- The Hacking: The miscreants used sharp weapons to hack at him, causing severe injuries to his abdomen, hands, and back of the head.
- The Arson: After the physical assault, the attackers poured gasoline (petrol) on his head and face and set him on fire.
- The Escape: In a desperate bid to survive, Das jumped into a nearby roadside pond to extinguish the flames. His screams alerted local residents, who rushed to the scene and forced the attackers to flee.
“We have no enemies in the area… I don’t understand why the terrorists suddenly targeted my husband,” Seema Das told reporters.
Medical Condition and Investigation
Das was first rushed to Shariatpur Sadar Hospital but was quickly referred to Dhaka Medical College Hospital due to the critical nature of his burn and abdominal injuries.
Police Action:
- Suspects Identified: Damudya Police Station Officer-in-Charge Mohammad Rabiul Haque confirmed that two local residents, identified as Rabbi and Sohag, have been named as suspects.
- Ongoing Search: Efforts are currently underway to apprehend the named suspects and identify other accomplices involved in the mob.
A Pattern of Rising Violence
This attack is the fourth reported incident of targeted violence against the Hindu community in Bangladesh in just over two weeks. It follows the recent lynching of Dipu Chandra Das in Mymensingh (December 18) and Amrit Mondal in Rajbari (December 24), as well as a shooting incident involving a factory guard.
The spate of violence has triggered widespread protests, including demonstrations by the VHP in Delhi, and has increased diplomatic tensions between India and the interim government in Bangladesh.