The family of Sagar, 33, a day laborer from South Bhadli village in Satkhira’s Kalaroa upazila, has expressed anger and concern over the lack of visible progress in the case months after his killing.
A human chain demanding a fair trial, registration of a case, the arrest of those involved and security for the victim’s family was held in front of the National Press Club in the capital on Sunday.
At the program, organized by the human rights organization Hard-Bangladesh, speakers alleged that Sagar was abducted and tortured on December 9 last year. He was left seriously injured and died on December 11 while undergoing treatment. Although a long time has passed, the victim’s family remains in deep despair as the judicial process has seen no desired progress.
M.S.A. Reza, executive chairman of Hard-Bangladesh, said the death of a helpless person could not be ignored under any circumstances. He said it was essential to uncover the true facts through a neutral investigation and bring those responsible to justice.
The organization’s founding chairman, Md. Mahabub Alam Abbasi, said delays in the judicial process not only caused suffering to a single family but also encouraged a culture of impunity in society.
Meanwhile, an alleged gold-smuggling and crime ring along the Jashore-Benapole border has resurfaced in the investigation into Sagar’s killing. Citing various political, intelligence and local sources, it is alleged that a powerful syndicate involved in gold smuggling, hundi trade, drug trafficking and the spread of influence has long been active in the border area.
The allegations point to Shahidul Islam Shahid, alias “Gold Shahid,” of Sharsha upazila in Jashore, along with Ansarul Haque Rana, Meherullah Member and Gold Nasir. Large quantities of gold have been smuggled through various areas of the Benapole border, and several related allegations are currently under investigation. Multiple complaints have also reportedly been filed with the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC).
At the human chain, speakers further alleged that although the matter had been reported in the media several times, Sagar’s family had still not received the justice they sought. They said the family and possible witnesses were facing threats because they were demanding justice.
Speakers demanded a neutral investigation into Sagar’s killing, registration of a case, the arrest of those involved, security for the victim’s family and witnesses, and the swift release of the investigation report. They also demanded that a special drive be conducted against the criminal ring active in the border area.
বাংলায় মূল প্রতিবেদন পড়ুন · Read the original Bengali report