Hindu Businessman Survives Assault and Burning in Bangladesh

A Hindu businessman in Bangladesh survived a violent assault on New Year's Eve, suffering severe burns and stab wounds after attackers beat him, hacked him with sharp weapons, and set him ablaze in Shariatpur district. The incident, which occurred on December 31 near Keurbhanga Bazar in Damudya, has intensified fears among the country's Hindu minority amid a recent wave of attacks.

Khokon Chandra Das, 50, who operates a pharmacy and mobile banking business, was traveling home in an auto-rickshaw around 9 p.m. after closing his shop when a group of assailants intercepted the vehicle on the Damudya-Shariatpur road. According to police, the attackers assaulted him, inflicted multiple stab wounds including a serious injury to his abdomen, doused him with petrol on his head and body, and ignited it. Das jumped into a nearby pond to extinguish the flames and escape, prompting locals to rush to the scene after hearing his cries. The assailants fled as residents approached.

Locals rescued Das and took him to Shariatpur Sadar Hospital, where doctors noted burns on his face, head, and hands along with his other injuries. His condition worsened, leading to a transfer to a hospital in Dhaka...