On 19 April 2022, Nahid Hossain, a courier delivery person, was beaten to death, during a clash between Dhaka College students and shopkeepers in the New Market area of Dhaka. The conflict, which began over a dispute at a local eatery, escalated into violent encounters involving students from the Bangladesh Chhatra League, resulting in several injuries. Following the incident, six Dhaka College students were identified as prime suspects, and the trial, which has drawn significant attention, is still ongoing as of mid-2023.[3][4]
| Killing of Nahid Hossain | |
|---|---|
| Part of Violence of Bangladesh Chhatra League | |
| Location | Nurjahan Super Market, New Market, Dhaka, Bangladesh |
| Coordinates | 23°37′53″N 90°26′37″E / 23.63139°N 90.44361°E |
| Date | April 19, 2022 c. 12:45 pm (UTC+6) |
| Victim | Nahid Hossain |
| Perpetrators | Members of Bangladesh Chhatra League[1][2] |
| Charges | See the § Legal proceedings section |
Background
editThe conflict, which began on the night of 18 April 2022, over a dispute between shopkeeper and students at a local eatery, quickly escalated into a large-scale confrontation. Allegedly, student members of the Chhatra League, the student wing of the Awami League, were involved in the violence, which resulted in several injuries.[5] Hossain who was passing by his workplace, was attacked by a group of assailants in suspicion of being with the shopkeepers during the clash. The attackers, some of whom were armed with machetes and wore helmets.[6][7]
Incident
editThe clashes began when students were called to reinforce a group involved in a dispute at two food shops near the New Market area.[8] The fighting quickly escalated, resulting in violent encounters between students and shopkeepers throughout the night and into the next day. Over 50 people were injured in the confrontation. Hossain, who was passing through the area on his way to work, was caught in the chaos. Video footage from the incident showed Hossain being attacked by a group of men wearing helmets and wielding machetes, leaving him critically injured. He was rushed to Dhaka Medical College Hospital but died from his injuries later that day.[9] Another victim, Morsalin, a shop worker, also lost his life after being struck by a brick during the clash.[10]
Aftermath
editInvestigation and arrests
editIn the days following the incident, the Dhaka Metropolitan Police launched an investigation and reviewed CCTV footage to identify the attackers.[11] Six Dhaka College students were named as prime suspects in Hossain's murder.[12] The assailants were reportedly linked to the Chhatra League, the student wing of the ruling Awami League party. Among the accused was Bashar Emon,[13] a second-year student in the Bangla department.[14] Emon was identified as one of the primary attackers who struck Hossain with a machete. Police conducted multiple raids in the Dhaka College dormitories, but the suspects initially evaded capture.[15]
Several suspects were subsequently arrested, and their involvement was confirmed through witness testimonies and video evidence.[16] On 24 April, two of the four identified attackers were taken into custody.[7] By 28 April, five Dhaka College students were remanded for two days for further questioning.[4]
Legal proceedings
editThe legal process began shortly after the arrests, with the suspects charged with murder under the Bangladesh Penal Code.[17]
As of mid-2023, the trial was still ongoing,[18] with Emon and others being prosecuted. The case has drawn widespread attention due to the violent nature of the crime and the involvement of students affiliated with political groups.[19] Authorities and the prosecution have sought the maximum penalty for those found guilty, as Hossain's death triggered a national response against the increasing violence associated with student political groups.
Institutional response
editIn response to the incident, Dhaka College formed a probe committee on 26 April to investigate whether its students were involved in the clashes that took place on 18 April. The college authorities stated that the committee was formed in accordance with academic regulations.[20]
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ "BCL leader 'detained' from Dhaka College hostel". Prothom Alo. 24 April 2022. Retrieved 17 September 2024.
- ^ "Police question 6 Dhaka College BCL men over New Market clashes". The Daily Star. 25 April 2022. Retrieved 18 September 2024.
- ^ প্রতিবেদক, নিজস্ব (28 April 2022). "ডেলিভারিম্যান নাহিদ হত্যায় গ্রেপ্তার পাঁচজন রিমান্ডে". Prothom Alo (in Bengali). Retrieved 18 September 2024.
- ^ a b "Nahid murder: 5 Dhaka College students on 2-day remand". The Daily Star. 28 April 2022. Retrieved 18 September 2024.
- ^ "2 shop employees arrested over New Market students-traders clash". The Daily Star. 10 May 2022. Retrieved 18 September 2024.
- ^ "Dhaka College forms probe body to find whether students involved in New Market clashes". The Daily Star. 26 April 2022. Retrieved 18 September 2024.
- ^ a b "Nahid murder: Two of four Dhaka College attackers in custody". Dhaka Tribune. 24 April 2022. Retrieved 18 September 2024.
- ^ "Nahid murder: 5 Dhaka College students on 2-day remand". Jagonews24.com. 28 April 2022. Retrieved 18 September 2024.
- ^ "Who killed Nahid?". The Daily Star. 22 April 2022. Retrieved 18 September 2024.
- ^ "As police identify Nahid's killers, Dhaka College students leaving hostels fearing raid". The Daily Star. 24 April 2022. Retrieved 18 September 2024.
- ^ "Delivery man Nahid killing: 2 people identified". Daily Sun. 24 April 2022. Retrieved 18 September 2024.
- ^ "New Market clash: Police identify six students as assailants in Nahid murder". bdnews24.com. 25 April 2022. Retrieved 18 September 2024.
- ^ "BCL activist who hit Nahid with rod held". New Age. 5 May 2022. Retrieved 18 September 2024.
- ^ "Police identify two people involved in delivery man Nahid killing". New Age. 24 April 2022. Retrieved 18 September 2024.
- ^ "Two people identified over delivery man Nahid killing". The Financial Express. 25 April 2022. Retrieved 18 September 2024.
- ^ Bhattacharjee, Partha Pratim; Saad, Muntakim (24 April 2022). "Nahid murder: Cops zero in on killers". The Daily Star. Retrieved 18 September 2024.
- ^ "Five Dhaka College students remanded over Nahid murder". Prothom Alo. 28 April 2022. Retrieved 18 September 2024.
- ^ "New Market clashes: Prime suspect in Nahid murder still at large". Dhaka Tribune. 30 April 2022. Retrieved 18 September 2024.
- ^ "Five Dhaka College students arrested over Nahid murder". The Business Standard. 28 April 2022. Retrieved 18 September 2024.
- ^ "New market clashes: Dhaka College finally forms probe body". The Daily Star. 27 April 2022. Retrieved 18 September 2024.