RAB arrests 3 key suspects over Shariatpur pharmacy owner Khokon Das killing

Khokon had named the accused before his death, police say

The Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) has arrested the three main accused in the killing of Khokon Das, a pharmacy owner and bKash agent, in Shariatpur.

The arrests were made around 1am on Sunday in Kishoreganj’s Bajitpur area, according to information provided by RAB-8 and the intelligence wing in Dhaka. A team from RAB-14, Crime Prevention Company (CPC) - 2, Kishoreganj camp carried out the operation under the leadership of Company Commander ASP Shahjahan.

The arrested suspects have been identified as Shohag, Rabbi and Palash, all named in the case filed over the killing.

Shariatpur Superintendent of Police Rawnak Jahan said the victim had named the accused before his death.

He said Khokon, 50, was a medicine shop owner and bKash agent. On Dec 31, 2025, around 9:30pm, he was returning home after closing his business at Keherbhanga Bazar.

As he reached the Tiloi area near his home, three to four assailants attacked him with sharp weapons, hacking him in different parts of the body and snatching the cash he was carrying.

When the attackers realised that the victim had recognised some of them, they allegedly poured petrol on his body and face and set him on fire in an attempt to kill him.

Hearing his screams, locals rushed to the spot, prompting the attackers to flee.

The victim was later rescued in a critically injured and burnt condition and taken to Shariatpur Sadar Hospital.

Due to the severity of his injuries, he was referred to Dhaka Medical College Hospital, where he later died while undergoing treatment.

The police superintendent said the arrested men are locally known as hoodlums and are believed to be involved in drug use.