Man tortured at village arbitration over drug-dealing allegations in Brahmanbaria
Video footage shared online appears to show the man blindfolded, restrained and assaulted after being made to stand before a crowd.
A man has been subjected to public torture during a village arbitration meeting in Brahmanbaria's Nabinagar upazila after being accused of drug dealing.
The incident took place yesterday afternoon (4 June) at Narui Bazar in Kaitala North union, with the victim being identified as Habi Mia, 40, a resident of Narui village.
The incident drew criticism after a video of the abuse circulated widely on social media.
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Police said efforts are underway to bring those responsible to justice.
According to police and local sources, a local anti-drug committee organised an arbitration meeting yesterday to discuss action against alleged drug dealers in the area.
During the meeting, Habi was brought before the gathering and accused of involvement in drug dealing.
He was then assaulted in front of his mother and wife.
Video footage shared online appears to show the man being made to stand in front of the crowd for an extended period before his eyes were covered with a cloth and his hands tied.
The footage further showed individuals restraining him while he was physically assaulted.
The video has not been independently verified.
Police said residents, including individuals identified as Mokarram, Mohsin, Tazu and Union Parishad Member Hanif, were involved in the incident.
According to investigators, Habi was later released after reportedly pledging not to engage in drug-related activities in the future.
Sub-Inspector Md Nur Nabi, in-charge of Shibpur Police Outpost, said officers visited the village after receiving reports of the incident.
However, those accused of carrying out the assault have been in hiding since the incident, he added.
Habi and his family members were also not found at their home, stated the SI.
The police officer said Habi has previously been linked to drug-related activities in the locality, but stressed that subjecting a person to torture through a village arbitration meeting is unacceptable.
Legal proceedings are underway, he added.
