One victim, two conflicting cases in separate police stations: Family seeks answers

On 5 August, after news spread that former prime minister Sheikh Hasina had fled the country, AC mechanic Md Al-Amin of Aftabnagar joined a celebratory procession in Badda like many others.

However, during a clash between police and the masses, a stray bullet reportedly hit Al-Amin at some point, and he died that night.

His name now appears on the list of those killed in the uprising. But confusion remains about where he actually died and who filed cases over the incident.

Two separate murder cases have been filed with two different police stations, each identifying a different location of death.

One case, filed with Bhatara Police Station, states Al-Amin died on 100 Feet Road. The other, filed with Hatirjheel Police Station, claims he died near Molla Tower by Rampura TV Centre.

Neither case was filed by Al-Amin's family, and the family says they are unaware of the plaintiffs.

Family disputes FIR's claims

Al-Amin's wife, Sumy Akhter, told TBS that she received a call around 2am on 6 August from an unknown number informing her that her husband had been shot and was at Mugda Hospital.

"My husband had lunch at home and went out in the afternoon. I spoke to him once in the evening. Later, I found his body in the hospital," she said.

According to Sumy, the person who transported Al-Amin to hospital told the family that he had been shot in front of BRAC University in Merul Badda.

She added, "It has been nine months, but we have not received any government help. July Shaheed Smrity Foundation took our documents, but said they lacked funds."

Al-Amin's elder brother, Md Parvez, echoed the same account.

"We were told Al-Amin was shot in front of BRAC University. Police opened fire while fleeing during the clashes that night," he said.

Parvez added, "Some group has filed cases for their own interest using unknown names. We were not informed. Only when some of the accused contacted us did we learn about these cases."

Plaintiffs unfamiliar, FIRs contradictory

Reviewing the case documents, TBS has found that on 27 October 2024, a man named Md Mojarul filed a murder case with Hatirjheel Police Station in relation to Al-Amin's murder, naming 195 accused, including Sheikh Hasina, activists from Awami League, BNP and Jatiya Party.

Oddly, an individual appears twice on the list of accused.

Mojarul could not be found at the address listed in the case.

When reached by phone, he confirmed filing the case but declined to explain his involvement with the incident or relationship to Al-Amin.

He said, "I am the plaintiff," but failed to answer further questions before ending the call.

Meanwhile, a second case was filed on 1 December in Dhaka court by a man named Md Rahman Mal, later registered with Bhatara Police Station on 21 December.

This case also accused Sheikh Hasina and others, listing 187 people in total, and claims Al-Amin died in the Bhatara area. Efforts to reach the plaintiff were unsuccessful.

BNP men named, deny involvement

The accused in these cases include individuals not present at the scene, raising questions about motive.

One such person is Md Tipu, a local BNP activist. He was also accused in a 22 July case involving vandalism of an Awami League office during the protests.

"I have faced political cases before, but this is different. I had no connection to Al-Amin's death. I believe my name was added to achieve political goals," Tipu said.

He has appealed to BNP's acting chairman Tarique Rahman, submitting documents to prove his innocence.

Local BNP leaders support Tipu. Former Jubo Dal Rampura president Md Kamal said, "Tipu has been with us since 2003. It is baseless that he is accused again."

Rampura Ward 22 Chhatra Dal leader Md Saddam added, "We were all involved in the movement. Those who filed this false case should be held accountable."

Police investigation ongoing

The Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Hatirjheel Police Station, Md Raju, confirmed his unit is investigating the case filed there, but said he was unaware of the Bhatara case.

"Work is ongoing for all cases related to the movement. If two cases were filed over the same death, proper investigation will determine the facts," he said.

Meanwhile, Bhatara OC Majharul Islam acknowledged that both cases exist and said the Police Bureau of Investigation (PBI) has been tasked with a detailed probe.

As Al-Amin's family awaits clarity and justice, the existence of two separate cases filed by unrelated plaintiffs, naming hundreds of people with little connection to the incident, has only deepened confusion around his death.