Local residents in Barlekha, Moulvibazar, formed a human chain demanding that a case be registered, those involved be arrested and justice be served over the death of housewife Mariam Akter Munni. The human chain was held at the Barlekha Shaheed Minar grounds around 2 p.m. Friday (Sept. 4).
Speakers at the event said no delay or evasion would be accepted regarding this death, and demanded an impartial investigation to determine the true cause of death.
Speakers also said Munni’s death has raised numerous questions and allegations. They said an impartial and proper investigation must be conducted under the law, without yielding to pressure or influence from any quarter, and that anyone found involved must be swiftly brought to justice.
The human chain was chaired by Abdul Gani, convener of the Barlekha Hajiganj Bazar Merchants’ Association and a social worker. Social worker Abdul Kadir Palash and former student leader Mustafizur Rahman Rajon moderated the event.
Speakers included expatriate journalist and online activist Nurul Wahid; politician and online activist Ahmad Riaz; Fakhrul Islam, a member of Barlekha Sadar Union Parishad; Abdul Hafiz Lalon, a former Barlekha municipality councilor; social workers Khaled Ahmad, Rabiul Islam Suhel, Shahin Ahmad, Surman Ahmad and Shipar Ahmad; journalists Hasan Shamim and Foysal Ahmad Sagar; student leader Tanim Ahmad; Ariful Islam; and many others.
Speaking on behalf of Munni’s family were her father, Makbul Ali; her mother, Renu Begum; and her brother, Masum Ahmed.
The family alleges that on Aug. 21, during a dispute with her in-laws, Munni was subjected to abuse. At the time, Munni informed her parents of the situation via video and text messages. Her father then contacted several local elders and asked them to help resolve the matter. At one point, an elder called and told him the matter had been settled.
The family says that shortly afterward, a person identifying himself as a local elected representative called Munni’s father and asked him to come to her in-laws’ house. When he arrived, he found Munni’s body hanging from a wooden beam in the bathroom.
Munni’s family alleges she may have been tortured, killed and then hanged to make it look like suicide. However, the actual cause of death is a matter to be confirmed through investigation and the relevant legal process.
Speakers at the human chain said that while Munni’s death has left one family grieving the loss of a loved one, it has also raised serious questions about the cause of death. They called for a swift investigation to resolve these questions and reveal the true circumstances, and urged that a case be registered, those involved be arrested, and the guilty be brought to justice.