Chittagong, Bangladesh —
Amid ongoing concerns over attacks against religious minorities in Bangladesh, a Hindu businessman was brutally assaulted in the port city of Chittagong, triggering fresh outrage and fear within the minority community.
The victim, Arun Kanti Das, a well-known gold trader, was allegedly attacked by a group of assailants who stabbed him multiple times before dousing his body with petrol and attempting to set him on fire. The incident took place on [date not officially disclosed] in a commercial area under the Chittagong Metropolitan Police jurisdiction.
According to local sources, the attackers fled the scene believing Das to be dead. However, passersby rushed to his aid after noticing movement and hearing cries for help. He was immediately shifted to a nearby hospital and later referred to a specialized medical facility due to the severity of his injuries. Doctors have described his condition as critical, with deep stab wounds and severe burn injuries.
Eyewitnesses said the attack appeared pre-planned and exceptionally brutal, raising suspicions of targeted violence. While the exact motive is still under investigation, minority rights groups have alleged that the assault is part of a wider pattern of intimidation and violence against Hindu businessmen, including extortion attempts and threats.
Police officials confirmed that a case has been registered and multiple teams have been formed to identify and arrest the perpetrators. “We are examining CCTV footage from nearby shops and questioning locals. No arrests have been made so far,” a senior police officer said.
The incident comes amid renewed reports of attacks on Hindu homes, temples, and businesses in different parts of Bangladesh. Human rights activists have repeatedly warned that minorities are increasingly vulnerable, especially in times of political instability and weak law enforcement.
Leaders of the Hindu community in Chittagong have demanded swift arrests, exemplary punishment for the attackers, and enhanced security for minority-populated areas. They also urged the government to ensure justice, stating that silence and delay would only embolden perpetrators.
The Bangladesh government has consistently maintained that it upholds religious harmony and that such incidents are criminal acts rather than communal ones. However, critics argue that repeated attacks and low conviction rates point to systemic failures in protecting minorities.
As Arun Kanti Das continues to fight for his life, the incident has once again drawn national and international attention to the precarious situation of religious minorities in Bangladesh.
