Human chain at National Press Club demanding trial and arrest of those involved in Sagar murder in Satkhira

Special Representative;

The human rights organization VARD-BANGLADESH has organized a human chain program in front of the Bangladesh National Press Club demanding a fair trial of the murder of poor day laborer Sagar (33) of Dakshin Vadli village of Kalaroa upazila of Satkhira district, accepting the case, arresting those involved and ensuring the safety of the victim’s family.

On December 9, 2024, a young man named Sagar (33) of Kalaroa Upazila of Satkhira was forcibly taken and brutally tortured by the family.
When he was left on the side of the road with severe injuries, the people nearby admitted him to Khulna Medical College Hospital and he died on December 11 while undergoing treatment.

The family of the victim claimed that they were threatened with death for not filing a case after the incident and important medical documents were confiscated. What is very worrying is that even after almost 16 months of the incident, no effective case or judicial progress has been seen so far.

The speakers in the human bond speech said that serious allegations have been made in different media and local sources against an organized syndicate that is conducting gold smuggling, drug trade, intimidation, torture and terrorist activities in the Sharsha-Benapole border area of ​​Jessore based on the Sagar murder.
As the name of Jubo Dal leader Shahidul Islam Shahid alias “Gold Shahid” has come up in the center of these allegations, there is extreme anxiety and panic among the common people.

Samshara Executive Chairman M, S, A Reza said in his speech, “If even after 16 months there is no case even after an allegation of killing a helpless day laborer through brutal torture, then where is the place of justice for the common man – that is the big question today.

He further said that we do not want any political revenge, but an impartial investigation and fair application of the law. The family of the deceased Sagar is still suffering from insecurity.Facing threats while seeking justice. We appeal to the highest echelons of the government to ensure prompt and impartial investigation and bring the culprits under the law and ensure exemplary punishment.”

Md. Mahabub Alam Abbasi, founder chairman of Sanshara, said, “After a brutal incident like the Sagar murder, even after a long time, the lack of judicial progress is very disappointing. A fair trial of this incident is very important for the sake of establishing human rights and the rule of law.”

Samshar General Secretary Shahidul Islam said, “Not getting justice for the family of a poor working man carries a worrying message for the state and society. We call on the administration to rise above political identity or influence to carry out a speedy investigation and bring the real culprits to book and provide security to the victim’s family.”

It is also mentioned in the human bond that in the investigation of the allegations against Shahidul Islam Shahid alias “Gold Shahid”, the central committee of the Bangladesh Nationalist Youth Party formed a two-member investigation committee and instructed to submit a report within 7 days. But even though 10 days have already passed, the speakers complained that no report of the investigation committee has been published or visible activities have been presented to the public.

At that time, the human chain appealed to the Honorable Prime Minister and BNP Chairman Mr. Tariq Rahman, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir MP, Central Jubo Dal President Abdul Monayem Munna and General Secretary Mohammad Nurul Islam Nayan MP Sir, to expel Shahidul Islam Shahid aka “Gold Shahid” from the party and face speedy trial until a fair investigation of the allegations is completed. Be it

The human chain demanded that the case of Sagar murder be immediately taken up, arrest of those involved through impartial investigation, security of victims’ families and witnesses and special operations against criminal syndicates in the border areas.

Also, the Home Secretary of Bangladesh, demanding serious investigation and necessary legal action on behalf of VARD-BANGLADESH,It is reported that a written application has been submitted to the Inspector General of Police (IGP) and Range DIG of Khulna Range.

The speakers said, if an impartial investigation is not ensured above political identity or influence, the public’s confidence in justice will be damaged. They called for swift state intervention and justice for Sagar’s murder.
VARD-BANGLADESH Vice Chairman Md Ashiq Mondal, Joint Secretary General Md Sohag Hasan, Joint Secretary Md Riaz (Apan), Executive Member Md Akash Madbar and Member Hafiz Uddin Anim were also present in the human chain.
In the arrangement:
VARD-BANGLADESHBangladesh