Bangladesh authorities have arrested three suspects in connection with the shocking death of Hindu businessman Khokon Chandra Das, whose brutal assault and subsequent death sparked outrage and demands for swift justice. Das, a resident of Shariatpur district, succumbed to his injuries on Saturday at the National Burn Institute in Dhaka, days after he was attacked by unidentified assailants.
According to officials, a team from the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) detained three individuals on Sunday morning from Kishoreganj, nearly 100 kilometres northeast of Dhaka. The arrested men have been identified as Damudyar Sohag Khan (27), Rabbi Molya (21), and Palash Sardar (25). They were later transported to the RAB camp in Madaripur for further questioning.
RAB Madaripur Camp Company Commander, Superintendent of Police Mir Monir Hossain, confirmed the arrests and said investigators are piecing together the sequence of events leading to the attack. Authorities believe the suspects had been on the run after the incident.
Shariatpur Superintendent of Police Rawnak Jahan stated that before his death, Das reportedly named the men responsible — a development that provided investigators with crucial leads. This testimony is expected to play an important role in the legal proceedings that follow.
Das, who operated a small medicine shop and mobile banking business, was travelling in an autorickshaw earlier this week when assailants allegedly intercepted the vehicle. According to reports, he was beaten, attacked with sharp weapons, and then set ablaze. In desperation, he managed to jump into a nearby pond as locals rushed to help. He was first taken to Shariatpur Sadar Hospital and later transferred to Dhaka due to the severity of his injuries.
Doctors at the National Burn Institute said Das suffered multiple wounds, including severe burns to his face, head, and hands, as well as deep injuries to his abdomen. Despite intensive treatment, his condition deteriorated, and he was pronounced dead on Saturday morning.
The incident has deeply shaken the local community. Residents have expressed concern over rising violence and have urged authorities to ensure justice is delivered swiftly and transparently. Community leaders have also appealed for calm while investigations continue.
Das’s wife, Seema Das, expressed grief and confusion over the motive behind the attack. She said the family had no known disputes but claimed her husband recognized two of the men who assaulted him — a fact she believes led the attackers to attempt to silence him permanently.
Police have not yet confirmed whether the attack stemmed from business rivalry, personal enmity, or broader tensions. Investigators say they are exploring all possibilities, including whether others may have been involved.
For now, the arrests mark a significant development in the case, but authorities emphasize that the investigation remains active. As the nation watches closely, the case has renewed conversations about law enforcement, minority safety, and the urgent need for stronger community protections across Bangladesh.