![“The use of petrol or gunpowder to torch someone or someone’s household is an ominous sign, not just criminal acts… perhaps we are witnessing the rise of a radical [rightwing] culture,” Mr. Debnath said.](https://images.financialexpressdigital.com/2026/01/Copy-of-Gallery-2026-01-03T193833.794.jpg?quality=100&w=440 "“The use of petrol or gunpowder to torch someone or someone’s household is an ominous sign, not just criminal acts… perhaps we are witnessing the rise of a radical [rightwing] culture,” Mr. Debnath said.")
A Hindu businessman, who was brutally attacked with sharp weapons and set on fire in Bangladesh three days ago, died in the early hours of Saturday (January, 3rd).
Khokon Chandra, who ran a medicine and mobile banking business in his village that’s 150 kms away from Dhaka, is the fifth person from the Hindu community to be targeted in the neighbouring country since December.
Speaking about the rising attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh, the spokesperson for Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council spokesman, Kajol Debnath labelled these attacks as a desperate attempt by radical groups in Bangladesh to visibly intimidate and subjugate the minority faiths, in the country.
What happened to Khokon Chandra?
As per media reports published earlier this week, Khokon was travelling in an autorickshaw when the attack happened. According to a report published by the Press Trust of India, Khokon was attacked with sharp weapons by a mob who then poured petrol on his head before setting him on fire.
The attack happened on his way home after closing his shop on Wednesday. Fortunately, Khokon managed to jump into a pond which helped douse the flames that nearly engulfed his head and face. The attackers fled after that.
Locals took him to a nearby hospital first, before doctors decided to send him to a bigger hospital in Dhaka. Doctors in Dhaka said Das suffered multiple injuries across his body, including a serious wound to his abdomen, along with burn injuries on his face, head and hands.
“The use of petrol or gunpowder to torch someone or someone’s household is an ominous sign, not just criminal acts… perhaps we are witnessing the rise of a radical [rightwing] culture,” Mr. Debnath said.
Family’s reaction and other developments
Following the loss of her husband, Khokon Das’ wife Seema Das told NDTV that she was extremely shocked to learn about the brutal attack on her husband.
“I can’t understand why her husband was attacked so brutally as the family had no enemies in the area.We have no dispute with anyone on any issue. We don’t understand why my husband was suddenly targeted,” Seema Das had told NDTV reporters in Bangla before she broke down outside the hospital in Dhaka.
India has several times voiced grave concern over the “unremitting hostility” against minorities in Bangladesh, and asserted that it is keeping a close watch on the ongoing developments in its neighbourhood. In a statement, the Bangladesh government.
