Hindu Man Set on Fire in Bangladesh: A Brutal Attack That’s Sparking International Outrage

Hindu man attacked in Bangladesh: Mob pours petrol, sets him on fire; victim critical

A chilling act of brutality has once again cast a spotlight on the safety of religious minorities in Bangladesh. On the evening of December 31, 2025, 50-year-old Khokon Chandra Das—a Hindu resident of the Damudya area—was ambushed by a mob, doused with petrol, and set on fire in what appears to be a targeted hate crime. Barely clinging to life, Das was rushed to Dhaka for emergency treatment as news of the attack sent shockwaves across South Asia and beyond. This horrifying incident of a Hindu man attacked in Bangladesh raises urgent questions about security, justice, and the state of religious tolerance in the region .

Table of Contents

The Attack in Damudya: What Happened?

According to reports from Prothom Alo and ANI, the attack occurred around 9:30 p.m. near Keurbhanga Bazar in the Koneshwar Union of Shariatpur district . Khokon Chandra Das was reportedly walking home when he was waylaid by a group of assailants. Without warning, they beat him severely, poured petrol over his body, and ignited it—leaving him engulfed in flames on the roadside.

Local residents, hearing his screams, rushed to extinguish the fire and called for help. Given the severity of his burns—covering over 70% of his body—he was first taken to a local clinic before being airlifted to a specialized burn unit in Dhaka, where he remains in critical condition .

Who Is Khokon Chandra Das?

Khokon Chandra Das is a small-time shopkeeper and a respected member of his local Hindu community. Friends and neighbors describe him as a quiet, hardworking man with no known enemies or involvement in political or religious disputes. His family says they have no idea why he was targeted, though they fear the attack may be linked to rising local tensions or false rumors .

His only “crime,” community leaders say, may have been his faith in a region where minority populations have increasingly felt vulnerable.

Hindu man attacked in Bangladesh: A Pattern of Violence?

While every act of violence is tragic, this incident is not isolated. Human rights organizations have long documented a troubling trend of attacks against religious minorities in Bangladesh, particularly Hindus, who make up less than 8% of the population .

Recent years have seen a spike in mob violence, temple vandalism, and land grabbing—often fueled by inflammatory social media posts or local political agendas. Notable incidents include:

  • October 2023: Widespread anti-Hindu riots in Cumilla after a Quran was allegedly found near a Durga Puja pandal.
  • November 2024: A Hindu priest murdered in Rangpur over a property dispute with Muslim neighbors.
  • December 2025: Multiple reports of intimidation during Hindu religious festivals in rural districts .

These events point to a systemic vulnerability faced by minority communities, especially outside urban centers where state protection is weak.

Government and Police Response

Following public outcry, Bangladeshi authorities have announced an investigation. Police have filed a case under the country’s strict anti-terrorism and violence laws and claim to have identified several suspects . However, local activists remain skeptical.

“Arrests are easy to promise, but convictions are rare,” said Farida Akhter, a Dhaka-based human rights lawyer. “Too often, these cases drag on for years, and families are left without justice.”

The Ministry of Home Affairs has urged calm and pledged to protect all citizens, regardless of religion. Yet, for many in the Hindu community, such assurances ring hollow without concrete action on the ground.

International Reactions and Diplomatic Fallout

The attack has drawn condemnation from multiple countries and international bodies:

  • India: The Ministry of External Affairs expressed “deep concern” and urged Bangladesh to ensure the safety of its minority communities .
  • United States: The State Department called for a “swift and transparent investigation” and emphasized the importance of religious freedom .
  • UN Human Rights Office: Spokesperson Ravina Shamdasani stated, “No one should live in fear because of their faith.”

The incident is likely to strain India-Bangladesh relations, which have already been tense over issues like water sharing and border security.

Rights Groups and Civil Society Speak Out

Organizations like Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have long flagged Bangladesh’s deteriorating environment for religious minorities. They argue that weak rule of law, political patronage of extremist groups, and inadequate police training contribute to a culture of impunity .

In response to this latest attack, Bangladeshi civil society groups—including secular Muslim voices—have organized vigils in Dhaka and Chittagong, demanding justice for Das and stronger protections for all minorities. [INTERNAL_LINK:religious-freedom-in-south-asia] remains a critical regional issue.

Conclusion: A Test for Bangladesh’s Pluralism

The brutal assault on Khokon Chandra Das is more than a crime—it’s a litmus test for Bangladesh’s commitment to its constitutional promise of equality and secularism. As the nation grapples with this atrocity, the world watches to see whether justice will be served or whether this case will join the long list of forgotten tragedies. For now, a 50-year-old man fights for his life, and an entire community wonders if they are truly safe in their own homeland.

Sources

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