SATKHIRA, Jan 30: A 22-year-old man, Ismail Hossain, allegedly died after being beaten by members of an army patrol in the Kakbashia area of Ashashuni upazila in Satkhira on Thursday evening, sparking widespread concern and condemnation from a human rights organization.
According to family members, Ismail's body was handed over to them in the presence of police on Friday morning following an autopsy and was later buried at the family graveyard.
Local sources and media reports said the incident occurred around 7:30pm at Kakbashia Bazar.
Ismail Hossain, son of Mahiruddin Sana of the Jelekhali area in Kakbashia, was reportedly stopped by an army patrol while riding a motorcycle without wearing a helmet. Allegations claim that he was physically assaulted by army personnel and later succumbed to his injuries.
The Human Rights Support Society (HRSS) expressed deep concern, grief, and strong condemnation over the incident. In a statement issued on Friday, HRSS Executive Director Ejazul Islam said the death of a citizen under such circumstances is extremely tragic and deeply alarming for human rights and the rule of law.
Witnesses and local residents reported that three friends were riding a motorcycle toward Kakbashia Bazar when they were stopped by an army patrol near the market. Army personnel allegedly assaulted Ismail Hossain, resulting in his death at the scene. Locals claimed that the patrol members left the area immediately after the incident.
A local resident, Yasin Ali, said Ismail was beaten by army personnel for not wearing a helmet and died on the spot.
Ashashuni Police Station Officer-in-Charge Shamim Ahmed Khan told media that police were dispatched after receiving information about a body lying at the scene and that the matter is currently under investigation.
Ashashuni Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Saiduzzaman Himu said he had heard of the allegation verbally, but that the exact cause and circumstances of the death had not yet been confirmed.
Anulia Union Parishad Chairman Ruhul Quddus said over the phone on Thursday night that the situation became tense immediately after the death of Ismail Hossain.
"I went to the spot and calmed the situation," he said. He further stated that after informing the Satkhira Superintendent of Police and the district administration, both assured cooperation in providing humanitarian and legal assistance. At the same time, District Administrator Mst. Afroza Akhter sent a grant of Tk 50,000 to Ismail's family as humanitarian assistance.
Satkhira Superintendent of Police Arfin Jewel said over the phone that law enforcement agencies are seriously concerned about the incident. He added that if a complaint is filed by the victim's family, appropriate legal action will be taken against those involved.
Meanwhile, the head of the Forensic Department of Satkhira Medical College, Dr. Nasir Uddin, said over the phone that Ismail's body was thoroughly examined during the post-mortem.
Important samples were collected and are being sent for further forensic analysis. "We will be able to comment once the report is received. At this moment, it is not possible to make further comments," he said.
However, on Thursday night, immediately after the incident, Lieutenant Asif Ahsan Chowdhury, commander of the Ashashuni Army Camp, told reporters over the phone that attempts were being made to divert the matter from what he described as a road accident death.
He added that a press release would be issued later regarding the incident, although no press release had been provided as of the filing of this report.
Citing information gathered and reports published in various media outlets, HRSS stated that Ismail Hossain was detained and beaten by members of the army patrol for not wearing a helmet while riding a motorcycle and later died due to severe injuries sustained during the alleged assault.
HRSS emphasized that no form of extrajudicial violence is acceptable under the guise of law enforcement.
"The Constitution and international human rights standards guarantee every citizen's right to life and personal liberty. Not wearing a helmet can never justify the loss of life, nor can physical abuse ever be considered a lawful measure," the organization said.
The rights group placed several demands, including the formation of an independent, prompt, transparent, and impartial investigation committee; exemplary legal action against those found responsible following investigation; state compensation and comprehensive support for the victim's family; and the strengthening of human rights-based conduct and accountability mechanisms within law enforcement agencies to prevent similar incidents in the future.
HRSS warned that unless the culture of impunity is dismantled, such tragic incidents will continue to occur, stressing that ensuring justice and accountability in this case is an urgent necessity.
