‘Suspicious’ deaths of July protesters spark protests
The perceived similarities in these attacks have united students in their demands for justice
Highlights
- 3 deceased students linked to July uprising
- Protesting students demand fair probe into the deaths
- They claim the deaths follow a similar pattern
- The pattern is viewed as "targeted killings" by protesters
- DU students held a torch-lit procession demanding justice
The deaths of two private university students within a week in Gazipur and Narayanganj, along with the killing of another in Chattogram, have ignited a wave of protests and anger among netizens.
Students from several private universities took to the streets today (18 December), demanding fair investigations into what they allege to be "targeted killings".
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The outrage deepened following the brutal stabbing of Muzahid, a North South University student, in Dhaka Udyan, Mohammadpur – an area notorious for mugging incidents in the capital.
Protesters claimed Muzahid had been an active member of the anti-discrimination student movement during the July uprising in Mohammadpur.
"It's alarming that private university students are being attacked or killed in a similar pattern, which seems like 'targeted killings.' Just months ago, we fought against a dictator, and now we are paying the price. The government must answer," said Imran Shikder, speaking at a protest in Rampura.
The perceived similarities in these attacks have united students in their demands for justice.
"We went back to classrooms, but we've been forced onto the streets again," said Ayesha, a BRAC University student, during a demonstration.
"Three private university students have been brutally killed recently. We need answers about why and how these murders happened," she added.
This afternoon, students blocked the road on the east side of Rampura Bridge, halting traffic between Badda and Rampura to protest the killings.
Earlier, on Tuesday night, Dhaka University students held a torch-lit procession demanding justice for the deaths of three fellow students linked to the July uprising.
Abdul Kader, a leader of the one-point "Step Down Sheikh Hasina" campaign, also addressed the gathering.
"Those who brought about a new independence for Bangladesh now lie dead in this very land," Kader said.
"The interim government that came to power through a bloodbath of revolutionaries remains silent. You have forgotten the aspirations and dreams of a new Bangladesh. Politics must be rooted in the mandate of students and the masses," he urged.
The killings and the ensuing protests have raised questions about safety, governance, and the government's ability to address the growing anger among young activists and students.
Look back to the 3 deaths
On 12 December, Wazed Alam Simanto, a 20-year-old student at the American International University of Bangladesh, was brutally stabbed, reportedly by muggers, in the Deobhog area of Narayanganj. Simanto, a Computer Science and Engineering student, succumbed to his injuries on 14 December at 10:15pm while undergoing treatment at Dhaka Medical College Hospital, his father, Haji Alam Chan, said.
"He was on his way to university around 8am when I received a call from an unknown number saying he had been in an accident. We rushed to the spot and found he had been stabbed on his head, hands, and thighs with machetes and other sharp weapons. His wallet, which contained Tk1,800, and his mobile phone were taken," Simanto's father added.
Simanto was first taken to a nearby hospital before being transferred to Dhaka Medical College Hospital, where he was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit. Despite efforts to save him, he died two days later.
His father claimed that Simanto, who had been active in the July uprising, was targeted, though no evidence was provided to support this allegation.
"His mobile phone was recovered, and some suspected muggers have been arrested. On the way to the hospital, my son kept saying he was stabbed for just Tk1,800 and a mobile phone. How cheap is a life?" the grieving father said.
"I have already lost my son; I don't want to see others suffer the same fate. Please restore safety and normalcy to public life," he pleaded to the interim government.
Narayanganj Sadar Model Police Station Officer-in-Charge Nasiruddin confirmed the incident was a mugging and said that the main suspect had been arrested.
On the same day, 12 December, another university student, Tasbir Hossain Shihan, 26, from East West University, was attacked in the Mowchak area of Gazipur. He was reportedly on his way to work in Uttara around 6am when he was brutally stabbed with knives.
"His body was found abandoned near a police outpost in Mowchak," said Shihan's batchmate, Nazifa Zannat.
"Highway police and local police argued over jurisdiction, delaying the recovery of his body by at least four hours. It was later sent for an autopsy."
Nazifa said that six individuals had been arrested in connection with the case, but she rejected the claim that the attack was a mugging.
"We don't accept this theory. We need a proper investigation to uncover the reasons behind this gruesome murder. The truth must come out," she demanded.
Meanwhile, on 17 December, another young man, Jashim Uddin, 25, was stabbed to death in the TG Colony area under Bandar Police Station in Chattogram.
Jashim, originally from Bhola, was living in TG Colony at the time of his death.
Locals claimed that Jashim had participated in the July-August student movement, with photos and videos of his alleged involvement circulating on social media. However, The Business Standard could not independently verify these claims.
These incidents have sparked outrage, with many questioning whether they are isolated mugging cases or part of a broader, more sinister pattern.
Chhatra Dal, Nagorik Committee express concern
The Chhatra Dal and Nagorik Committee has expressed concern over the recent killings of three students.
"The forces defeated in the student and public uprising have embarked on a covert assassination mission targeting the participants of the uprising. The consecutive murders of several activists by criminals are extremely alarming," said Chhatra Dal President Rakibul Islam Rakib and General Secretary Nasir Uddin in a joint statement issued today (18 December).
They also mentioned that several students have received death threats from members of Awami League and its banned student organisation, Chhatra League.
Samantha Sharmin, spokesperson for the Nagorik Committee, said, "We are witnessing covert murders of students in various places. What stance will the government take on covert murders? What measures will they take? They must inform us within 24 hours."
