Increasing violence against minorities in Bangladesh, Hindu businessman seriously injured in mob attack in Shariatpur.

**Khokon Chandra Das**, a 50-year-old Hindu businessman and village doctor, was brutally attacked in Damudya upazila of Shariatpur district on December 31, 2025. While returning home from his pharmacy near Keurbhanga market, he was stopped on the way, stabbed multiple times, doused with petrol and set on fire. Das escaped by jumping into a nearby pond; Hearing their screams, the local people saved them.

He had severe burn marks on his face and right hand, as well as knife wounds to the stomach, and was admitted to Dhaka Medical College Hospital in a critical condition. His wife said that she had recognized some of the attackers, who were probably associated with taking away the daily earnings, suggesting that the motive was looting.

This is the latest in a string of violent incidents against Hindus:
– 18 December: Dipu Chandra Das was beaten to death in Mymensingh over claims of blasphemy without evidence; The dead body was hanged and burnt.
– 24 December: Amrit Mandal was beaten to death in Rajbari amid allegations of extortion (he had previous criminal cases against him).

India expressed deep concern over the “persistent hostility” towards minorities (Hindus, Christians, Buddhists), documenting thousands of incidents under the interim government. Bangladesh’s Foreign Ministry dismissed these as “exaggerated” isolated crimes.

Exiled former PM Sheikh Hasina accused the Yunus-led administration of failing to protect minorities and promoting extremists.

On 31 December, India’s External Affairs Minister **S. Jaishankar** visited Dhaka briefly for the funeral of former PM Khaleda Zia, and met BNP leader Tariq Rehman amid strained relations.

The attacks highlight the continuing vulnerabilities of minorities in Bangladesh, which are fueling diplomatic tensions with India despite their denials of systematic persecution.