Rising Violence Against Hindus in Bangladesh: The Case of Khokon Das

On December 31, 2025, Khokon Das, a 50-year-old Hindu businessman, was brutally attacked by a mob in Shariatpur, Bangladesh. While returning home after closing his pharmacy, Das was intercepted by assailants who stabbed him and set him on fire after dousing him with petrol. Despite sustaining severe injuries, he managed to escape by jumping into a nearby pond, which helped extinguish the flames. He was subsequently taken to Shariatpur Sadar Hospital, where his condition was reported as critical, necessitating transfer to Dhaka for advanced treatment.

Bangladesh: Attack on another Hindu man, body set on fire

This incident marks the fourth attack on Hindus in Bangladesh within a month, highlighting a disturbing trend of violence against religious minorities. Earlier incidents include the lynching of Dipu Chandra Das on December 18, who was killed over alleged blasphemy, and Amrit Mondal, who was lynched on December 24 over extortion allegations. These attacks have raised significant concerns regarding the safety of minority communities in Bangladesh, particularly in the wake of political unrest following the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government.

Another Hindu Man Attacked, Set on Fire by Mob in Bangladesh – The Indian Awaaz

The Indian government has expressed deep concern over the rising violence against Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh. In response, Bangladesh's Ministry of Foreign Affairs dismissed these concerns as "exaggerated, or motivated narratives," asserting that they misrepresent the country's tradition of communal harmony. The incident involving Khokon Das occurred shortly after India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar visited Dhaka, emphasizing the strained relations between the two nations amid ongoing violence.

Another Hindu Man Attacked, Set on Fire by Mob in Bangladesh – The Indian Awaaz

Human rights organizations and minority advocacy groups have condemned the recent spate of attacks, calling for immediate action from the Bangladeshi government to ensure the safety of religious minorities. Critics argue that the government's failure to address these incidents effectively contributes to a climate of fear and impunity for perpetrators of mob violence. The attacks have sparked outrage among political leaders and religious organizations, both in Bangladesh and India, who demand accountability and justice for the victims.

Hindu Man Set on Fire in Bangladesh’s Shariatpur, Second Mob Attack on Minority in 15 Days

While reports consistently highlight the increasing violence against Hindus, there are discrepancies regarding the motives behind these attacks. Some sources suggest communal tensions, while others indicate personal disputes as potential triggers. Furthermore, the identities of the attackers in the Khokon Das case remain partially unclear, although local police have reportedly identified two suspects.

Hindu Man Set on Fire in Bangladesh’s Shariatpur, Second Mob Attack on Minority in 15 Days

• “My husband returns home every night after closing his shop with the day’s sales money. On Wednesday night, criminals attacked him. He recognised two of the attackers and because of that, they assaulted him with the intention to kill hacking him and setting fire to his head and face after pouring petrol on him. We have no enemies in the area. We have no disputes with anyone over any matter. We cannot understand why the criminals suddenly targeted my husband” — Sima Das, Wife of Khokon Das

Bangladesh: Attack on another Hindu man, body set on fire

• “The Government of Bangladesh categorically rejects any inaccurate, exaggerated, or motivated narratives that misrepresent Bangladesh’s longstanding tradition of communal harmony,” — Bangladesh Ministry of Foreign Affairs

The Statesman

• “Why this matters now The string of attacks has intensified fear among Bangladesh’s Hindu community and raised serious questions about minority safety and mob impunity.” — Human Rights Advocate

Hindu Man Set on Fire in Bangladesh’s Shariatpur, Second Mob Attack on Minority in 15 Days

The attack on Khokon Das underscores a troubling pattern of violence against Hindus in Bangladesh, raising urgent questions about the safety of minority communities. As incidents of mob violence continue to escalate, both local and international calls for justice and protection are growing louder, emphasizing the need for effective governmental action to address these grave concerns.

Hindu Man Set on Fire in Bangladesh’s Shariatpur, Second Mob Attack on Minority in 15 Days