A Hindu businessman who was set on fire after a brutal attack three days ago in Bangladesh died on Saturday, a minority community leader said. Kajol Debnath, spokesperson for the Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council, said this was the fifth death of a Hindu since December, and that radical groups in Bangladesh are attempting to intimidate minority communities. Khokon Chandra Das (50) was attacked Wednesday night near Keurbhanga Bazar in Shariatpur district while returning home after closing his shop. “Das died this morning after battling for his life for three days,” Debnath said.
Media reports on Thursday reported that Das, who ran a pharmacy and mobile banking business, was traveling in an auto-rickshaw when the attackers stopped the vehicle, allegedly beat him, stabbed him with sharp weapons, and then doused him with petrol and set him on fire.
In an attempt to save himself, Das jumped into a roadside pond, prompting locals to raise an alarm. Police said the attackers fled the scene. They said locals rescued Das and took him to Shariatpur Sadar Hospital, where he was referred to Dhaka due to his injuries. Doctors in Dhaka reported that Das had suffered multiple injuries, including serious wounds to his stomach and burns to his face, head, and hands. “
This is the fifth death of a Hindu person in December,” Debnath said. “We have recorded seven attacks on the community this month,” Debnath said. “Using petrol or gunpowder to burn a person or their home is not just a criminal act, but an ominous sign… Perhaps we are witnessing the rise of a radical (right-wing) culture.”