We strongly condemn and protest the barbaric murder of Mohammad Sohag, a trader who was hacked and beaten to death in broad daylight at the main gate of Sir Salimullah Medical College (Mitford) Hospital on 9 July. This horrific act has shocked the nation and is a stark reminder of the deteriorating law and order in the country.
Sohag’s brutal killing was not an isolated incident—it represents a disturbing escalation of mob violence. Attacked savagely in the city’s busy area, his death symbolises the alarming breakdown of civic security. The stone that was hurled at Sohag did not strike him alone—it struck at the very conscience of our youth and our society.
The tragedy bears chilling resemblance to the murder of Biswajit Das in 2012, who was also hacked to death in broad daylight by members of the Chhatra League. Like Biswajit, Sohag was unarmed, defenceless, and mercilessly killed in front of bystanders. Such gruesome acts of violence have no place in a civilised society.
We cannot tolerate such barbarity in an era that aspires to justice, human rights, and the rule of law. The new Bangladesh was born from the struggles and sacrifices of students and the youth, many of whom gave their lives for democracy and dignity. We must not allow that spirit of struggle for democracy to be lost in the face of rising criminality and impunity.
We must not allow that spirit
to be lost in the face of rising
criminality and impunity
Public anger is growing. Students from universities including Dhaka University, BUET, Jagannath University, and Jahangirnagar University have already taken to the streets in protest. We stand by them in demanding justice and accountability.
We have always upheld the principles of responsible politics. Terrorism, thuggery, and violence have no place in our ideology or actions. The perpetrators—regardless of their identity or connections—must face justice. If justice is denied or delayed anywhere, it will only embolden criminals and deepen public despair.
The interim government must act swiftly and impartially. We demand a thorough and credible investigation, and call for the immediate transfer of the case to a Speedy Trial Tribunal under Section 10 of the Speedy Trial Tribunal Act, 2002. Those responsible must receive exemplary punishment, and the process must be transparent to restore faith in the justice system.
We are also gravely concerned about the broader implications of this incident. Such a brutal killing reflects a growing trend of extortion, mugging, and violent crime. Despite the increased presence of security forces, law enforcement agencies appear to be unable to contain this surge in violence. Public safety, particularly that of traders and commuters, is increasingly at risk—even during daylight.
While the interim government maintains that the law and order is stable, this assurance rings hollow to ordinary citizens who face growing insecurity in their daily lives. Reports of snatching, robbery, and harassment in the capital and the outskirts continue to rise. A sense of fear now grips many, especially after dark, but alarmingly, even during the day.
We urge the authorities to take decisive action to root out criminal elements and restore public confidence. Law enforcement must be strengthened, and political will must be demonstrated through swift and effective justice. Only then can we hope to uphold the ideals of a just and democratic society. Only then can the dream of a "New Bangladesh" be truly realised.
