Another Hindu man attacked and set on fire in Bangladesh, suffers severe injuries
A Hindu pharmacist in Bangladesh narrowly survived a brutal mob assault on New Year's Eve after being stabbed and set on fire, the fourth such attack on minorities in the past two weeks, as concerns grow over rising Islamist violence and strained India–Bangladesh relations.
New Delhi: A Hindu businessman in Bangladesh had a narrow escape after being brutally assaulted, stabbed and set ablaze by a mob on New Year’s Eve, marking the fourth reported attack on the minority community in the past two weeks.
The victim, identified as Khokan Chandra, 40, sustained serious burn injuries but survived after jumping into a nearby pond to douse the flames. He was later rescued by local residents and taken for treatment.
Attack after shop closure
According to reports, the incident occurred on December 31 when Khokan was returning home after closing his pharmacy in Keurbhanga Bazar. Around 9 pm, near the Tiloi area, he was allegedly stopped by a group of assailants who beat him severely. The attackers then stabbed him multiple times, poured petrol on his body and set him on fire before fleeing the spot.
Despite the severity of the assault, Khokan managed to escape by leaping into a pond nearby, preventing fatal injuries.
Series of attacks on minorities
The incident is the latest in a string of violent attacks targeting Hindus across Bangladesh in recent days. On December 24, a 29-year-old Hindu man, Amrit Mondal, was allegedly beaten to death by a mob in the Hossaindanga area of Kalimohar Union. In another case, a Hindu youth working at a textile factory in Bhaluka, Mymensingh, was reportedly shot dead by a co-worker.
Earlier, on December 18, a Hindu youth named Dipu Chandra Das was lynched by a mob in Mymensingh. His body was later hung from a tree in the middle of a road and set on fire, triggering widespread outrage.
Protests and diplomatic strain
The recent incidents have sparked protests in several cities in India, with political leaders condemning the attacks and urging New Delhi to raise the issue diplomatically with Dhaka. India has repeatedly expressed concern over the safety of minorities, particularly Hindus, in Bangladesh.
The violence comes amid heightened tensions following unrest triggered by the December 18 killing of youth leader Sharif Osman bin Hadi. Unverified allegations linking India to his death fuelled anti-India sentiment in Bangladesh, further straining bilateral ties.
Relations have also been under pressure since the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus assumed power after the fall of the Sheikh Hasina-led government, with India closely watching developments related to minority rights in the country.