[🇧🇩] The Home Adviser and the Law and Order Situation in Bangladesh

[Saif]

Dhaka’s law and order situation demands better interventions

Effective measures needed to curb crime in the capital city

www.thedailystar.net

Dhaka’s law and order situation demands better interventions
Effective measures needed to curb crime in the capital city

VISUAL: STAR

We are concerned by the recent spate of crime in Dhaka that put its law and order situation once again under the spotlight. Since the political changeover in August last year, public security in the city has been an area of concern with a persistent rise in various criminal activities. Although the authorities have taken a number of measures to address the situation, things have proven difficult to manage. The spike in criminal incidents—with CCTV footage of several going viral on social media—is understandably fuelling fear among the general public. The government, therefore, must increase its efforts to comprehensively address these security concerns.

According to data from the Police Headquarters, Dhaka witnessed a noticeable rise in violent crimes in the first four months of this year, with robbery cases almost doubling and dacoity and murder cases nearly tripling compared to the same period last year. Over time, the criminals appear to be growing more audacious, often attacking people in broad daylight. On Tuesday morning, muggers attacked a currency trader, shot him, and robbed him of currencies worth Tk 22 lakh in the city's Mirpur area. On Sunday night, a BNP leader was shot dead by two assailants. Some perpetrators have even been seen carrying machetes, using them to intimidate or attack their victims.

What does it say about our law enforcement if gun-toting, machete-wielding criminals can roam freely in public? In some cases, police appeared reluctant to take action. For instance, a victim of mugging in Nikunja, who was attacked with machetes, reported the incident to Pallabi Police Station but no action was taken until a video of the incident went viral. Speaking to The Daily Star, he said the incident had shattered his sense of security, and—one may easily assume—that of many others.

This situation has persisted more or less since August. While the interim government has taken some initiatives, including deploying army troops with magistracy powers to assist in maintaining law and order, these efforts have often proven insufficient. Unfortunately, the police have yet to fully regain their footing, and criminals continue to take advantage of the vacuum. This is unacceptable. Law enforcement agencies must reassert control over the city's law and order using whatever means necessary. It is unacceptable for people to continue living in fear for their safety.​

 

[Saif]

Home Adviser for maintaining discipline to keep law and order, traffic jam under control

Home Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury on Thursday said that if everyone maintains discipline and works with patience the law and order and traffic congestion would remain under control.

en.prothomalo.com

Home Adviser for maintaining discipline to keep law and order, traffic jam under control

BSS Dhaka
Published: 05 Jun 2025, 19: 48

Home Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury speaks to the reporters in Gabtoli, Dhaka on 5 June 2025. BSS

Home Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury on Thursday said that if everyone maintains discipline and works with patience the law and order and traffic congestion would remain under control.

“If we all cooperate to concerned authorities, the law and order would be improved and the traffic congestion must remain under control,” he said while speaking to the reporters after visiting the Gabtoli cattle market.

“I would like to request everyone to follow the rules in all areas while driving cars, bringing and taking trucks carrying sacrificial animals . . . encourage others to follow the rules too. If discipline is maintained on the roads, the law and order situation will remain under control," he said.

"This year, the prices of sacrificial animals are relatively reasonable. I feel the prices are slightly lower compared to the last year. We have an adequate supply of cattle, so buyers should not face any problem," the adviser said.

In response to a question about sellers charging extra money for space in the cattle market, Adviser Jahangir said, "No one is allowed to charge separately for space. We have made this clear in our meetings as well."

He also said there are sufficient sacrificial animals in the market. There is no shortage of cows, he added.

The advisor earlier visited Mirpur and Kafrul police stations in the capital and the Public Order Management (POM) located in Mirpur area.​

 

[Saif]

People-friendly policing key to restoring public trust: Home Adviser

Home Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury on Monday said the negative image of the police could be erased if they become more people-friendly personnel. He made the remarks while exchanging views with officials of the Tangail district administration and heads of various departments at

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

People-friendly policing key to restoring public trust: Home Adviser

Published :
Jun 23, 2025 19:35
Updated :
Jun 23, 2025 19:35

Home Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury on Monday said the negative image of the police could be erased if they become more people-friendly personnel.

He made the remarks while exchanging views with officials of the Tangail district administration and heads of various departments at a meeting held in the Deputy Commissioner's conference room in the afternoon, UNB reports.

About Sunday night’s mob attack, the adviser said, “Those responsible for creating such a situation centring former CEC KM Nurul Huda will be brought to justice. If any member of the police is found to be involved, action will be taken against them as well.”

He also said instructions have already been given to prevent the recurrence of such incidents and legal action will be taken against those involved.

“Since August 5, actions have been taken to make the police more people-friendly. The police no longer behave the way they used to. If the public is happy with the police, I am also happy. I am making every effort to ensure the people are satisfied,” the adviser said.

Jahangir also mentioned that though the next national election is still some time away, police preparations are underway. “The overall law and order situation in the country is much better than before.”

Dhaka Range DIG Rezaul Karim Mallick Reza, Tangail Deputy Commissioner Sharifa Haque and Superintendent of Police Mizanur Rahman were, among others, present at the meeting.​

 

[Saif]

DMP arrests 3 for leading anti-government protests in Dhaka

The Counter Terrorism and Transnational Crime (CTTC) unit of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) on Wednesday arrested three individuals for allegedly leading anti-government protests in the capital’s Mirpur area on June 22 and 23. The arrestees are GM Wahid Parvez, a Jubo League leader and two

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

DMP arrests 3 for leading anti-government protests in Dhaka

Published :
Jun 25, 2025 22:12
Updated :
Jun 25, 2025 22:12

The Counter Terrorism and Transnational Crime (CTTC) unit of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) on Wednesday arrested three individuals for allegedly leading anti-government protests in the capital’s Mirpur area on June 22 and 23.

The arrestees are GM Wahid Parvez, a Jubo League leader and two others identified as Sagar Biswas, 25, and Md Apon, 20, UNB reports.

“They were arrested in separate operations conducted in Mirpur and Mohammadpur areas today,” said DMP Deputy Commissioner (media) Talebur Rahman.

According to the police official, GM Wahid Parvez led several anti-government protest marches in different parts of Mirpur on June 22 and 23. Acting on intelligence inputs, a CTTC team arrested him from Mirpur earlier today.

Later, around 2:30pm, another CTTC team arrested Sagar Biswas, described by police as a notorious criminal, drug dealer, and mugger, from Chand Udyan area in Mohammadpur, he said.

Based on information provided by Sagar, police also detained Md Apon at around 3:30pm from the Sat Masjid Housing area of Mohammadpur. Both of them are named accused in a case filed with Mohammadpur Police Station, the DC added.

“Legal action is underway against the arrestees,” said Talebur.​

 

[Saif]

Bangladesh urges restraint, vows to protect communities, worship places

Bangladesh on Friday urged all to refrain from reacting to any matter disregarding the facts and ground realities, stressing that the country remains firmly committed to safeguarding the rights of all communities, including the protection of worship places. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Bangladesh urges restraint, vows to protect communities, worship places

UNB
Published :
Jun 27, 2025 22:49
Updated :
Jun 27, 2025 22:49

Bangladesh on Friday urged all to refrain from reacting to any matter disregarding the facts and ground realities, stressing that the country remains firmly committed to safeguarding the rights of all communities, including the protection of worship places.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a media release said nothing has ever constrained Bangladesh to uphold its syncretic tradition where every citizen can – and does – live and prosper freely irrespective of one’s faith or belief, in an inclusive and open society.

The MoFA says the attention of the government of Bangladesh has been drawn to media reports alleging the destruction of a Durga temple at Khilkhet in Dhaka.

The fact remains that last year during Durga Puja, without having prior permission, the local Hindu community installed makeshift Puja Mandap on a piece of land that is undisputedly owned by Bangladesh Railways, it says.

Later, the Railways authority extended permission with the condition that as soon as the Puja celebration is over, the organisers would remove the makeshift Mandap. Regrettably, after the Puja was over in October 2024, the organisers declined to remove the makeshift Mandap violating the mutual agreement.

Rather they established a 'Maha Kali' (Kali Murti) there. In spite of repeated reminders, they unfortunately took initiative to make the Mandap permanent, disregarding their own arrangement with the Railways authorities, MoFA says.

In December 2024, Railways authorities held consultations with local community representatives, organisers of the Mandap and issued a public notification asking all concerned to remove all unauthorised installations, including vendors, hundreds of shops and political party offices illegally built either sides of the rail tracks owned by Bangladesh Railway in the area. Basically, 200 feet from the east of the existing rail track is solely the land of Bangladesh Railway, the ministry says.

This is also to mention that two more rail tracks are being constructed under a project titled, "Construction of 3rd & 4th DG line in Dhaka-Tongi section and Doubling of Dual Gauge line in Tongi-Joydebpur section of Bangladesh Railway" and this piece of land was a dire need to complete the new lines under this project.

Over the past months, repeated reminders to the illegal land occupiers went unheeded to, the ministry says.

On June 24 and 25, Bangladesh Railways finally asked all to remove all the unauthorised installations, including the Puja organisers to remove the temporarily built the Mandap.

Finally, on June 26, following due process, Bangladesh Railways proceeded to peaceful eviction of all unauthorised structures along the rail track in Khilkhet area, the Ministry said.

In the course of the eviction process, the idol of the makeshift Mandap was immersed in the nearby Balu River, in due reverence, with the participation of the members of local Hindu community, the ministry says.

It says the removal of unauthorised structures in order to recover government land is a regular and lawful administrative activity.

While the laws of the land ensure full protection to all places of worship without discriminating against any built in conformity with law, it is not permissible for any to build any religious structure encroaching public land under any circumstances, the ministry says.

The organisers of the makeshift Mandap clearly exploited the trust and goodwill of the Railway authorities by violating their own agreement.​

 

[Saif]

Home adviser comments on firearm ‘magazine’ found in adviser Asif’s bag

Home Adviser Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury commented about a firearm magazine being discovered in adviser Asif Mahmud's bag saying, It might be just a mistake.

en.prothomalo.com

Home adviser comments on firearm ‘magazine’ found in adviser Asif’s bag
Staff Correspondent Dhaka
Published: 30 Jun 2025, 21: 09

Home Affairs Adviser Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury File photo

Home affairs adviser Lt. Gen. (retd.) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury has answered various questions from newspersons on the incident of a firearm magazine being discovered in the bag of interim government’s another adviser, Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain, during security screening at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport.

In response to a question in this regard, during a press briefing held after a meeting of the Core Committee on Law and Order at the Ministry of Home Affairs today, Monday, the home adviser said, “It might be just a mistake.”

Asif Mahmud left the country for Morocco in a flight from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport early on Sunday to attend the ‘OIC Youth Capital International Programme’ scheduled to be held in Marrakesh, Morocco.

During routine baggage scanning, a firearm magazine was detected inside his bag.

Referring to this incident the newspersons asked the home adviser, how does he view the incident of carrying a firearm magazine in the bag while travelling abroad?

In response, Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury said, “It has nothing to do with travelling abroad. Sometimes you make mistakes, perhaps you meant to bring your glasses, but mistakenly took your mobile phone instead. It’s just a mistake like that. Since the issue has turned into a talk-of-the-town, I believe he never would have carried it if he had realised it earlier.”

When journalists raised questions about the validity of the home adviser’s statement that adviser Asif Mahmud did this mistakenly, the adviser responded, “Well, I haven’t spoken to him directly. But you can easily understand how it is if you know. I mean, it’s unlikely for him to go there carrying weapons. Suppose, a bullet is found in your pocket, then it becomes clear that you went there by mistake.”

Some sources have described the magazine found in adviser Asif Mahmud’s bag to belong to the well-known firearm, AK-47.

Speaking on this point the adviser said, “No, it isn’t from an AK-47. It belongs to a licensed weapon registered to himself (adviser Asif Mahmud). It was just a pistol magazine that he had left in the bag by an honest mistake.”

According to the Firearms Licensing, Renewal and Use Policy-2016, an individual must be aged between 30 and 70 years to apply for licensing a firearm in Bangladesh.

Speaking about the ongoing speculations regarding Asif Mahmud’s age, the home adviser said, “Is there really an age limit of 30 for a legal licence? Since I haven’t reviewed that specific law thoroughly, I cannot say anything on this issue.”

The newspersons also raised the issue of how the magazine in adviser Asif Mahmud’s bag passed through the first two levels of airport security and was only detected at the third checkpoint.

In reply to the question why wasn’t it detected at the first entrance, the home adviser stated, “As I said already, sometimes - for example- when a political leader enters the airport he may receive some privileges than usual. It has been emphasised that such privileges should not apply to anyone. The law should be enforced equally for everyone.”​

 

[Saif]

No one involved in mob violence will be spared: home adviser

He credits the media and digital platforms for enabling quicker responses

www.thedailystar.net

No one involved in mob violence will be spared: home adviser

Home Adviser Jahangir Alam Chowdhury has said those responsible for recent incidents of mob violence will be brought to justice, regardless of their influence or power.

"No one will be spared. Whoever commits such acts will be tracked down and held accountable," he told reporters today after visiting the Industrial Police Headquarters and Uttara East Police Station in Dhaka.

While incidents of mob violence have declined in recent times, the adviser noted a concerning resurgence in some areas.

"We are taking a firm stance. In a recent case in Rangpur, seven people have already been arrested. Anyone involved in such acts will not be allowed to remain in their communities. Legal action is underway," he said.

Jahangir credited the media and digital platforms for enabling quicker responses.

"In the past, we often didn't receive timely information. But with the help of media and digital platforms, we can now act much faster," he said.

On the role of the Industrial Police, he acknowledged that the unit remains understaffed but continues to operate effectively.

"As our number of factories and industrial sites grows, so must the strength and capacity of the Industrial Police. The government is actively working on this," he said.

Referring to issues observed during his visit to Uttara East Police Station, the adviser said some logistical problems had already been addressed.

"For instance, we've fixed the washroom facilities as part of improving working conditions," he said.

When asked about the upcoming national elections, Jahangir said ensuring a peaceful and secure environment is a collective responsibility.

"The Election Commission, administration, assigned officials, and participating political parties all have roles to play. From our end, we're fully prepared to maintain law and order and ensure a fair election," he said.

He reiterated that the government is committed to supporting the Election Commission in ensuring an inclusive and credible election.

Additional Inspector General Gazi Jashim Uddin, chief of the Industrial Police, along with other senior officials, accompanied the adviser during the visit.​

 

[Saif]

Two more arrested over murder near capital’s Mitford Hospital

A Dhaka court has granted five days of remand for two youths arrested in connection with the murder of businessman Lal Chand, also known as Sohag, in front of Gate-3 of Sir Salimullah Medical College (Mitford) Hospital. The arrested suspects have been identified as Mahmudul Hasan Mohin, 41, and Ta

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Two more arrested over murder near capital’s Mitford Hospital

UNB
Published :
Jul 11, 2025 23:59
Updated :
Jul 11, 2025 23:59

A Dhaka court has granted five days of remand for two youths arrested in connection with the murder of businessman Lal Chand, also known as Sohag, in front of Gate-3 of Sir Salimullah Medical College (Mitford) Hospital.

The arrested suspects have been identified as Mahmudul Hasan Mohin, 41, and Tarek Rahman Robin, 22.

Deputy Commissioner of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Talebur Rahman confirmed the development.

Earlier, DMP arrested the two accused with weapons shortly after the incident. Subsequently, Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) detained two more individuals in connection with the same case.

On the afternoon of July 9 (Wednesday), a group of assailants brutally attacked and hacked 39-year-old Lal Chand alias Sohag on the paved road in front of Gate-3 of the hospital, leading to his death. Responding swiftly to the incident, police from Kotwali Police Station arrived at the scene and brought the situation under control.

Law enforcement prepared an inquest report and sent the body to the hospital morgue for autopsy.

Following the incident, the victim’s elder sister filed a murder case at Kotwali Police Station.

Police collected CCTV footage from the crime scene and launched raids across various areas in the capital, ultimately arresting the two named accused, Mohin and Robin. During the arrest, a foreign-made pistol was recovered from Robin's possession.

Initial investigations suggest that the killing resulted from a business dispute and prior enmity. Authorities are continuing operations to arrest others involved and to uncover the full motive behind the murder.

Legal proceedings against the arrestees are currently underway.​

 

[Saif]

Lal Chand murder: Students hold protests in Dhaka

Students from BRAC University, North South University, East West University and Eden College held demonstrations on campuses, demanding justice to Lal Chand

en.prothomalo.com

Lal Chand murder: Students hold protests in Dhaka

Staff CorrespondentDhaka
Published: 12 Jul 2025, 18: 40

Students hold protests at the main gate of BRAC University in Dhaka on 12 July 2025, demanding justice for the murder of trader Lal Chand Sohag.Mir Hossain

Students from various educational institutions staged demonstration in Dhaka, demanding a fair trial for trader Lal Chand Sohag, who was brutally murdered in front of the capital Mitford Hospital.

More than 50 students staged demonstration at the main gate of BRAC University under the banner ‘BRAC University Sochetan Shikkharthi Somaj’ around 1:00 pm on Saturday.

Students from North South University (NSU), East West University and Eden College also held demonstrations separately on their campus.


During the protest, BRAC University students chanted slogans such as, “Raise your voice again, dig the grave of the extortionists,” “Extortionists collect money, how can an interim [government] work?” “Let the weapons of ’24 roar once more,” and “Who gave you the right to kill, you monster?”

Farabi Jisan, a tenth semester student of Computer Science and Engineering (CSE) department at BRAC University, condemned the incident. He said, "Jubo Dal and Chhatra Dal leaders and activists beat a man to death with stones in front of Mitford Hospital because of extortion. Yet, those who did it remain unaccountable; the parties only expelled them without taking the responsibility. We believe their political affiliations were used to carry out the murder. We demand a fair trial. Any student organisation capable of brutally killing someone should not be allowed to operate on our campus. Whether it is the Chhatra Dal or Chhatra Shibir, no party committee should exist at BRAC University. The committee of Chhatra Dal must be revoked today."

Students of North South University (NSU) hold demonstrations on 12 July 2025, calling for swift justice in the brutal killing of scrap metal trader Lal Chand alias Sohag. Prothom Alo

Another CSE student, Saifullah Sakib said, "The spirit of working together after the revolution has been corrupted. Political violence has increased. We strongly condemn this brutal murder."

Another BRAC student Murad Al Hasan said, "We are calling on Tarique Rahman to return to the country. Lead your party and manage your vote bank. Practice politics that brings change."

On 11 June, Chhatra Dal announced a seven-member partial committee at BRAC University for one year. At today’s protest, students issued three demands, including revocation of that committee.

A leaflet distributed by students presented the three demands: First, political activity on BRAC University campus must be banned, and any committee announced under the university’s name must be immediately and officially withdrawn. If anyone dares repeat such action in the future, they must be expelled from the university. Second, all individuals directly or indirectly involved in the Chawk Bazar killing, including those big fishes, who are sheltering extortionists and criminals, must be swiftly brought to justice. Third, extortion and violence under political identities must be stopped at all places like marketplaces, shops, bus and tempo stands in every district.

Protesting students also issued a 48-hour ultimatum for the interim government to end extortion nationwide. If no significant steps become visible within that time, they would go for long-term movement.

Students hold protests in front of the gate of East West University in Dhaka on 12 July 2025, protesting extortion, murder, terrorism, and lawlessness across the country. Mir Hossain

Earlier, NSU students brought out a procession in the Bashundhara residential area around 12:00 pm. As the procession ended at NSU Gate 1, it was joined by students from Independent University, Bangladesh (IUB).

Students of East West University also staged demonstration in front of the university gate around 1:00 am. Students from Eden College held a human chain outside their campus.

Scrap metal trader Lal Chand alias Sohag, 39, was brutally killed in front of the capital’s Mitford Hospital on 9 July 2025. He was summoned, beaten with stones and bricks, his body mutilated, then stripped and trampled on.

Students of Eden College hold a human chain 12 July 2025 to protest the murder of the businessman in the Mitford Hospital area.Tanvir Ahammed

So far, five people have been arrested in connection with the incident, according to Home Adviser Lieutenant General (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury and Law Adviser Asif Nazrul. Leaders and activists of Juba Dal, Chhatra Dal, and Swechchhasebok Dal are believed to be involved in the murder.

Meanwhile, Juba Dal expelled two accused of the case from the party on Friday evening. Chhatra Dal and Swechchhasebak Dal also expelled two accused of the case from their organisations.​

 

[Saif]

All involved in Lal Chand murder will be brought to justice: Jahangir

Home Adviser said all involved in the brutal murder of a scrap metal trader Sohag in the capital's Mitford area will be brought to justice

en.prothomalo.com

All involved in Lal Chand murder will be brought to justice: Jahangir

BSS
Published: 12 Jul 2025, 17: 25

Home Adviser Lieutenant General (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury spoke to journalists after visiting the Dhaka Police Lines, Range Reserve Force and Traffic and Driving School in the mail barrack of Old Dhaka BSS

Home Adviser Lieutenant General Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury (retd) today said all involved in the brutal murder of a scrap metal trader Lal Chand Sohag in the capital's Mitford area will be brought to justice.

"We will bring all the culprits to book involved in the killing," he said after visiting the Dhaka Police Lines, Range Reserve Force and Traffic and Driving School in the mail barrack of Old Dhaka.

The Home Adviser said the incident is really a matter of great sorrow and five persons involved in the killing have already been arrested.

Two of them were apprehended by the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) with firearms, he said, adding that police arrested one more suspect last night.

"Teams of the Detective Branch (DB) have been working in this connection. All involved in the killing will be brought to book," he said.

The Home Adviser called upon all to be patient and not take law into hands.

"If any incident occurred, inform the law enforcement agencies of the matter and they will take action accordingly," he said.

Jahangir said the law enforcement agencies took action soon after the incident occurred, referring to prompt arrests in the Sohag murder and in Chandpur incidents.

The Home Adviser said he visited the mail barrack in the Old Dhaka as they are going to introduce a training programme there to hold the upcoming election in a fair manner.

Replying to a query, he said, "We're preparing by December for the election. But, the election commission will announce the election date."

Earlier on 9 July last, a scrap metal trader Lal Chand, also known as Sohag, 39, was hacked, beaten and stoned to death near a gate of Sir Salimullah Medical College and Hospital.​

 

[Saif]

What sort of killing is this, what sort of horror?

So many murders take place every day. People are killed for so many reasons -- personal enmity, family disputes, business rivalries, political conflicts, turf wars, extortion, and so on. It seems people have no qualms about killing anymore. But how can a human being be killed in this manner?

en.prothomalo.com

What sort of killing is this, what sort of horror?

Rafsan Galib
Updated: 12 Jul 2025, 16: 00

"The criminals did not stop at just killing him. They carried out brutalities on Sohag' body even after he died."Collected from CCTV footage

So many murders take place every day. People are killed for so many reasons -- personal enmity, family disputes, business rivalries, political conflicts, turf wars, extortion, and so on. It seems people have no qualms about killing anymore. But how can a human being be killed in this manner? Does a young, vibrant life have to end in such a gruesome way?

In Dhaka’s Mitford Hospital area, a scrap trader was murdered over extortion demands, syndicate control and turf dominance.

The incident took place on Wednesday evening. It made the news, but perhaps people brushed it off as just another daily occurrence. Then, nearly two days later, CCTV footage of the killing surfaced on social media. And what we saw was a horrifying death, a barbaric, brutal scene of murder.

In one of the most crowded areas of Dhaka, the trader was bludgeoned to death with stones in what seemed like a frenzied celebration. He was beaten, hacked, tortured, stripped and left on the street. Then the killer picked up a large stone and repeatedly smashed his head, making sure of his death. Can such a scene be accepted in any way? What kind of savagery is this? What kind of monstrosity?

So far it has been learned that the trader, identified as Lal Chand Mia alias Md Sohag, had been running a scrap business on Rajani Ghosh Lane for many years. He was also involved in a syndicate dealing in the purchase and sale of old electrical cables. Disputes over control of this syndicate, along with demands for extortion, had led another group to threaten Sohag for several months. As a result, Sohag was brutally murdered on Wednesday evening.

It has emerged that both Sohag and his killers were affiliated with BNP politics. According to many, some of them, including Sohag, had allegedly controlled the syndicate under the patronage of local Awami League goons during the previous Awami League government. After Sheikh Hasina’s fall from power, they shifted allegiance to BNP. However, with the change in power, inner conflict over control of the syndicate erupted among themselves.

This horrifying and savage murder reminds us of Biswajit, the tailor from Old Dhaka, who was hacked to death by Chhatra League activists. That image still haunts us.
Mahmudul Hasan Mohin, accused of being the mastermind behind the murder, is reportedly a candidate for general secretary of the Jubo Dal’s Chawkbazar thana unit. He has been accused of extorting money from vendors on the Mitford Hospital footpath and from chemical traders. There are also allegations of large-scale bribery involving the recruitment of third-class hospital employees. The member-secretary of the Lalbagh thana unit of the Chhatra Dal has also confirmed that Mohin is an active Jubo Dal member. (Daily Jugantor Online, 11 July 2025).

The assailants didn’t stop at just killing Sohag. Even after confirming his death, they continued their brutality on the lifeless body. The bloodied, motionless body was left in the middle of the street, and the killers stood over it in a horrifying frenzy of triumph.

CCTV footage shows that there were many people present at the scene during the murder. Despite the large crowd, Sohag was repeatedly struck with stones and killed in plain sight. No one stepped forward to save him. Locals say that Mohin is a Jubo Dal leader and a powerful figure in the area. Out of fear, no one dared to intervene. However, following the murder, police arrested Mohin and several others accused in the incident.

In July, during the mass uprising, people stood tall and defiant against the armed thugs of the autocratic regime. They did not flinch in the face of bullets. And yet, one year later, the very same people stood by and simply watched a brutal murder unfold, almost as if they were enjoying the spectacle! We say July made people brave, taught them to protest, taught them never to bow before evil forces. Is this evidence of that courage?

This horrifying and savage murder reminds us of Biswajit, the tailor from Old Dhaka, who was hacked to death by Chhatra League activists. That image still haunts us. And now Sohag, has been killed in equally barbaric fashion by Jubo Dal thugs. Will we ever be able to forget him either?

The trauma of the killings carried out by the ousted Sheikh Hasina government during the July mass movement still lingers. And now, in the aftermath of such state-sponsored violence, where are we headed with murders like this? What future awaits a nation gripped by such psychological devastation?

Another murder took place yesterday, Friday, in Daulatpur, Khulna. A former leader of the thana Jubo Dal was shot and had his tendons slashed by assailants. The victim had gone viral on social media a few months ago, wielding a machete during a clash at Khulna University of Engineering and Technology (KUET). Following that incident, he was expelled from Jubo Dal.

This killing, too, has become the subject of political mudslinging.

Some claim he was murdered by members of Jamaat-Shibir for wielding a machete in support of Chhatra Dal during the KUET clash. Others say he was killed over local disputes involving extortion and control of the drug trade. Local police initially suggest the murder stemmed from turf wars. Suspects have been identified, and efforts are underway to verify and arrest them.

Yet another murder attempt yesterday has left us reeling. In Chandpur, right after the Friday prayer, a man slashed an imam and khatib inside the very mosque, leaving them covered in blood. The khatib is a well known religious figure in the locality.

According to local media, the attacker “disliked” the khatib’s sermon. He had therefore entered the mosque earlier, machete in hand, intending to kill him. The assailant claims the khatib had spoken disrespectfully about the Prophet Muhammad (SM).

A few months ago we watched people openly call for murder by branding someone a “blasphemer”, ignoring the laws of the state. What we saw in Chandpur seems to be the fallout of that. No wonder the common devout Muslims are even more outraged.

When people are casually labeled “blasphemer,” threatened and assaulted, does it not tarnish the standing of our religious community and ushers in a perilous future? Will the government remain silent?

One savage incident follows another. If a BNP member is involved, the party expels him. Protests erupt on social media. But what are the state and government doing?

Why is the administration not rushing to the scene? Where are the police? Where are the ministers? Why, after an entire year, can they still not guarantee public safety? Why is no one seen standing beside the victims? Why were police reforms treated as the least important task? How do they run the state while leaving citizens so exposed? Can an administration be managed from the capital by issuing mere “warnings”?

Even after a year, why can the government not ensure people’s security? Why were police reforms pushed to the bottom of the agenda? How do they govern while leaving the public in constant danger? Can policing be run from Dhaka on warnings alone?

And why is BNP content to think its organisational duty ends with expulsions? A hundred murders sprouting from internal feuds prove that expulsions do not impose party discipline. In Raozan thana of Chattogram alone, more than 15 killings have occurred in BNP infighting. Did any delegation from Dhaka visit that upazila? Does the party stand by the bereaved families?

There are many ways to enforce discipline. Is it really possible to maintain order through distant cautions or expulsions? Do BNP leaders grasp how little organisational competence they are showing?

The party’s misdeeds pile up across the country. Most people believe BNP, as the biggest party, is poised to win the next election. Yet even before they take over power, many fear the nation may move from one fascist rule to another. How does BNP intend to dispel that fear?

After the July popular uprising we dreamed of a new politics and a new system of governance. Will that dream remain a far cry?

*Rafsan Galib is editorial assistant, Prothom Alo.​

 

[Saif]

Govt promises speedy trial for Mitford murder

The government has said that it would ensure a speedy trial and exemplary punishment in the brutal murder of scrap trader Lal Chand, also known as Sohag, in Mitford area of Dhaka city on July 9...

www.newagebd.net

Govt promises speedy trial for Mitford murder
Staff Correspondent 12 July, 2025, 13:34

Law adviser Asif Nazrul.

The government has said that it would ensure a speedy trial and exemplary punishment in the brutal murder of scrap trader Lal Chand, also known as Sohag, in Mitford area of Dhaka city on July 9.

Law adviser Asif Nazrul stated on Saturday that the government was committed to ensuring a speedy trial and exemplary punishment for those involved in the killing.

Home adviser retired Lieutenant General Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury also iterated the assurance, saying that all the culprits behind the murder would be brought to justice.

Environment adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan, however, said that ‘neither the government nor the ruling party had any link with such incidents, including mob violence’.

‘This brutal murder will be tried quickly, and exemplary punishment will be given,’ Asif Nazrul said in a post on his verified Facebook page.

‘Five people involved in the incident have already been arrested, and the police have begun their investigation giving it the utmost importance,’ he said.

He further noted that the case would be transferred to the Speedy Trial Tribunal to be tried under the Speedy Trial Tribunal Act, 2002.

The incident, which has sparked widespread outrage and grief, occurred near the gate of Sir Salimullah Medical College and Hospital in Old Dhaka. Sohag, 39, was hacked, beaten, and stoned to death in broad daylight in a horrific act of mob violence.

During a visit to the Dhaka Police Lines, Range Reserve Force, and Traffic and Driving School, home adviser Jahangir Alam Chowdhury told reporters that five suspects were already arrested.

‘The incident is truly tragic, but we are taking swift action. Five suspects have already been arrested, including two who were apprehended by the Rapid Action Battalion with firearms,’ he said.

Noting that the Detective Branch was also working diligently on the case, Jahangir added that law enforcement agencies responded quickly after the incident.

Urged people to be patient and not to take law into own hands, he called on all to inform the law enforcement agencies in case any incident occurred.

Underscoring the government’s stance against mob attacks, environment, forest and climate change adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan Rizwana Hasan at an event in Savar on the outskirts of Dhaka city, told journalists on Saturday that the government had made it clear that mob violence would not be tolerated in any form.

‘There is no connection between these incidents and the government or the ruling party,’ she said. ‘In every case over the past three to four months, we have ensured the arrest of the accused—no one has escaped justice,’ she stated, while inaugurating the ‘Better Dhaka district initiatives’ programme.

Under the programme the Savar upazila administration has planned to plant 1,00,000 saplings in a single day this monsoon.​