Protesters block Dhaka-Sylhet highway demanding arrest of teenagers killers

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Protesters blocked the Dhaka-Sylhet highway in Sarail, Brahmanbaria, on Sunday to demand the immediate arrest of suspects involved in the murder of 15-year-old Jihad Mia. The blockade, which lasted nearly two hours, brought traffic to a standstill before local authorities negotiated an end to the demonstration.

The protest began at approximately 9:30 a.m. when demonstrators gathered at the Kuttapara intersection, placing logs across the highway to halt all vehicle movement. The action followed an earlier human chain protest, which had been announced via public loudspeakers. The blockade resulted in traffic congestion stretching five to six kilometers, severely impacting the Dhaka-Sylhet highway as well as the Comilla-Sylhet and Sarail-Nasirnagar-Lakhai regional routes.

Thousands of commuters and drivers faced significant delays due to the gridlock. The situation eased only after local administration officials, including the Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) and the officer-in-charge (OC) of Sarail Police Station, held discussions with the protesters and provided assurances that the perpetrators would be apprehended.

Jihad Mia, the son of local resident Asgar Ali, was fatally stabbed on July 10 in Kuttapara village. While a murder case was filed against unidentified individuals, police have yet to make any arrests, a delay that has fueled frustration and anger among local residents. Jihad’s mother, Sarin Begum, expressed her grief and despair during the demonstration, calling for justice and condemning the perceived inaction of law enforcement.

Sarail Police Station OC Monjur Quader Bhuiyan stated that the investigation is ongoing and that authorities have identified the suspects involved in the attack. He emphasized that the police are working to ensure that only the actual perpetrators are apprehended, noting that investigators are being diligent to avoid the arrest of innocent individuals. The police have pledged that the suspects will be taken into custody as quickly as possible.