Dhaka, Jan. 3 -- A small-town trader in Shariatpur has died after being stabbed and set on fire with petrol in a gruesome attack, prompting calls for exemplary punishment for those responsible.

Khokon Chandra Das, 50, succumbed to his injuries around 8am on Saturday while undergoing treatment at the National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery in Dhaka, said Assistant Professor Shaon Bin Rahman of the institute.

The attack took place at about 9:30pm on Wednesday near Tilai Bazaar in Kaneshwar Union of Damudya Upazila, according to Additional Superintendent of Police (Crime and Ops) Tanvir Hossain.

Police said Khokon was waylaid on his way home after closing his shop, stabbed repeatedly and then doused with petrol before being set ali...