Islamic Youth Movement leader murdered in Narayanganj sparks highway blockade
Photo Collected
NARAYANGANJ — A local leader of the Islami Juba Andolon was hacked to death in Narayanganj’s Bandar area late Thursday night, sparking widespread protests and the brief blockade of a key national highway.
Mujahidul Islam, also known as Bulbul, 45, was intercepted by a group of assailants in the Salehnagar area at approximately 10:00 p.m. Thursday. According to witnesses and local sources, the attackers struck him repeatedly with sharp weapons before fleeing the scene. He was rushed to Narayanganj General Hospital, where he was declared dead by attending physicians.
Police have arrested one suspect, identified as Sheikh Sifat, in connection with the murder. Sifat was reportedly an accused in a case previously filed by the victim.
The killing triggered immediate unrest in the area. Following the news of the attack, protesters held demonstrations throughout the night, lighting tires on fire and damaging properties belonging to the accused and his family. The situation necessitated the deployment of additional police forces to restore order.
On Friday morning, activists from Islami Andolon gathered at the Madanpur area to block the Dhaka-Chittagong highway. The protest, which lasted for approximately 30 minutes, halted traffic and resulted in significant gridlock before police intervened to disperse the crowd and clear the road.
Mujahidul Islam served as the secretary of Law and Human Rights for the Bandar unit of Islami Juba Andolon. Family members stated that he had been a vocal participant in the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement in August 2024. Following his participation, Mujahidul reported that his rickshaw garage was looted, with 18 vehicles stolen. He subsequently filed a case at the Bandar Police Station on August 20, 2024, naming Sheikh Sifat as the sixth accused. Relatives allege that Mujahidul had been receiving death threats and constant pressure to withdraw the case in the months leading up to his murder.
Additional Superintendent of Police (Crime and Operations) Tareq Al Mehdi confirmed that traffic on the Dhaka-Chittagong highway has since returned to normal.
“We have arrested Sheikh Sifat, and efforts are currently underway to identify and apprehend the remaining suspects involved in this homicide,” Mehdi said. He added that authorities are in the process of filing a formal case and are conducting a thorough investigation to determine the exact motive behind the attack.
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