Pharmacy owner jumps in pond to escape brutal fire attack

Violence against religious minorities continues to plague Bangladesh, with a horrifying assault reported on New Year's Eve. Khokon Chandra Das, a 50-year-old Hindu businessman, is currently fighting for his life at Dhaka Medical College Hospital following a brutal attack in the Shariatpur district. This incident marks the fourth significant assault on Hindus in the region within just a few weeks.

Das, who operates a local pharmacy in the Keorbhanga area of Kaneshwar union, was intercepted by a group of men while returning home on the night of December 31. According to local reports, the assailants indiscriminately stabbed him with sharp weapons. The brutality escalated when the attackers doused him with petrol and attempted to set him ablaze.

In a desperate bid for survival, the severely injured pharmacist managed to jump into a nearby pond and screamed for help. Villagers rushing to the scene found him with severe burns on his face and right hand, alongside multiple stab wounds.

Family and Police Statements

Seema Das, the victim’s wife, described the harrowing scene to the media. She stated that she found her husband’s body on fire and noted he had been stabbed in various parts of his head and body.

Initially treated at Shariatpur Sadar Hospital, Das was shifted to Dhaka due to his deteriorating condition. Police officials from the Damudya Police Station suggest the motive was robbery. Officer-in-Charge Rabiul Haque revealed that the miscreants intended to loot the pharmacy but decided to kill Das after he recognized one of the attackers.

Rising Concerns for Minorities

This event is part of a disturbing pattern of violence. Just earlier this week, a Hindu man was shot dead in a garment factory in Mymensingh. Furthermore, last month saw the lynching of 29-year-old Amrit Mondal in Kalimohar Union and the killing of 25-year-old Dipu Chandra Das over false blasphemy allegations. These recurring attacks have sparked deep concern regarding the safety of the Hindu businessman attacked in Bangladesh and other community members under the current interim government.