Gaibandha Correspondent:

Bangladesh Islami Chhatra Shibir's Gaibandha district unit organized a protest rally and demonstration against the murder of Saifullah Bari, president of Bonarpara Union Chhatra Shibir in Saghata upazila of Gaibandha.

The program was held at around 11:30 am on Monday (June 22), despite heavy rain, demanding the immediate arrest and exemplary punishment of those involved in the killing. A large number of leaders and activists from the central, district, and upazila levels of Chhatra Shibir participated in the demonstration.

Earlier, a protest gathering was held at 11:00 am at the Shaheed Minar premises in Gaibandha Municipal Park. Following the gathering, a procession marched through the town's main roads before ending near the central bus terminal. Participants chanted various slogans condemning the killing.

The gathering was presided over by Gaibandha District Chhatra Shibir President Yusuf Al Qarzavi. Among the speakers were Chhatra Shibir Central Library Secretary Arafat Hossain Milon, Central Student Welfare Secretary Rezaul Karim Shakil, Executive Council Member and President of Rajshahi University Chhatra Shibir Mujahid Faisal, former Gaibandha District President Abu Hasan, Ferdous Sarkar Rumman, District Secretary Fahim Mondal, and other leaders.

The speakers demanded the immediate arrest and prosecution of all those involved in Saifullah Bari's murder. They stated that although one suspect had been arrested, the main accused and several others remained at large. They warned of tougher programs if the remaining suspects were not arrested promptly.

The speakers also expressed concern over the country's law and order situation and criticized a series of recent killings, demanding effective action against criminals.

According to local sources, tension had been prevailing in the area for several days over the formation of the managing committee and the election of the president of Kochua Government Primary School. On Sunday (June 21) afternoon, Chhatra Shibir leader Saifullah Bari and activist Salahuddin were attacked in the Bonarpara Chowmatha area.

A group of 10 to 12 individuals, including Bonarpara Union Jubo Dal Convener Mokhlesur Rahman Mukul, his brother Palash, Joint Convener Ashraf Akhand, and Jubo Dal leader Robiul Islam, allegedly carried out the attack using sharp weapons. During the assault, Saifullah Bari was chased and stabbed in the throat, while Salahuddin was also seriously injured.

Locals rescued the victims and took them to Saghata Upazila Health Complex. As Saifullah's condition deteriorated, he was transferred to Gaibandha General Hospital, where doctors declared him dead.

Salahuddin was initially admitted to Shaheed Ziaur Rahman Medical College Hospital in Bogura. As his condition worsened, he was transferred to Dhaka for advanced treatment at around 1:00 am on Monday. Family members, citing doctors, said he suffered a deep wound on the right side of his back and injuries to his lungs. His condition remains critical.

Saifullah Bari, son of Habibur Rahman of Shimultair village, was the president of Bonarpara Union Chhatra Shibir and a third-year student of the Al-Quran Department at Satgara Model Kamil Madrasa in Rangpur.

Following the incident, additional police forces were deployed in the area, and patrols were intensified at important locations.

Saghata Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Mahbub Alam said, “One suspect, Ashraf Akhand, has been arrested in connection with the murder. Operations are ongoing to apprehend the remaining accused. No one involved in the incident will be spared.”

Meanwhile, Gaibandha District Jubo Dal expelled Bonarpara Union Jubo Dal Convener Mokhlesur Rahman Mukul from the party, including his primary membership, immediately after the incident.

A statement signed by District Jubo Dal President Ragib Hasan Chowdhury and General Secretary Abdur Razzaq Bhutto said disciplinary action had been taken against him based on specific allegations of activities contrary to the party's principles, ideology, and organizational discipline.

The statement further noted that Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Jubo Dal would not bear any responsibility for the actions of the expelled leader and instructed party members at all levels to refrain from maintaining any organizational relationship with him.