Bangladesh turmoil: Dhaka police arrest 3 over murder of Hindu businessman Khokon Das; probe under way

Bangladesh’s elite security force, the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), on Sunday arrested three people in connection with the brutal murder of Hindu businessman Khokon Das in Shariatpur.The Chief Adviser’s Press Wing said the arrests were made following an overnight operation carried out by RAB teams in Kishoreganj. The accused, identified as Sohag, Rabbi and Palash, were detained around 1 am from the Bajitpur area. RAB said the operation was led by ASP Shahjahan of RAB-14’s CPC-2 unit, according to news agency ANI.

According to police, Khokon Das, 50, was a pharmacy owner and a bKash mobile banking agent in Keherbhanga Bazaar.

On the night of December 31, he was returning home after closing his shop when he was attacked near the Tilai area, close to his residence.Shariatpur Superintendent of Police Rawnak Jahan said Das was assaulted by three to four attackers armed with sharp weapons. He sustained multiple injuries and the assailants also robbed him of the cash he was carrying.Jahan further said that before his death, Das had mentioned the names of the accused.

Later, after realising that he had recognised some of them, the attackers poured petrol on his body and face and set him on fire in an attempt to kill him.Hearing his screams, local residents rushed to the spot, forcing the attackers to flee. Das was rescued in a critical condition and taken to Shariatpur Sadar Hospital. As his condition worsened, he was referred to Dhaka Medical College Hospital and later to the National Burn Institute, where he died during treatment.Police said the arrested men are known in the area for criminal activities and alleged drug abuse. Further investigation is under way.Khokon Das’s nephew-in-law, Pranto Das, said the family is seeking a thorough investigation and justice. He further stressed that no one involved in the killing should be spared and that all those responsible must be held accountable.The killing has sparked concern amid reports of recent violent incidents involving members of the Hindu community in Bangladesh. Rights groups and community leaders have called for strict action against perpetrators and stronger measures to ensure the safety of minorities.Last month, Dipu Chandra Das, a local garment factory worker was beaten to death by a mob and his body was set on fire in Bangladesh’s Mymensingh district.