Are BNP and the Yunus Administration Jointly Liable for the Recent Trader's Murder?
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Synopsis
Students in Dhaka are rallying for justice after a trader's brutal murder, highlighting a disturbing trend of rising violence. Despite the change in government, frustrations mount over ineffective protests and worsening human rights conditions. Join the conversation about accountability and the urgent need for reforms in Bangladesh.
Key Takeaways
- Student protests are a response to rising violence in Bangladesh.
- The murder of a trader has ignited widespread outrage.
- There is a call for accountability from both the BNP and the interim government.
- The effectiveness of last year's protests is being questioned.
- Students vow to continue their fight for justice.
Dhaka, July 13 (NationPress) Students in Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, organized a torch procession and a rally at Jahangirnagar University (JU) to seek justice for a trader who recently fell victim to a brutal murder. Frustrated students voiced their concerns, highlighting that last year's protests in July proved ineffective as crime rates have surged even after a governmental transition, according to local media reports from Sunday.
This protest was ignited by the horrific killing of Lal Chand, known as Sohag, a 39-year-old scrap trader from Old Dhaka.
The demonstrators condemned a series of violent acts nationwide, including killings and assaults fueled by political and religious conflicts, as reported by The Dhaka Tribune.
The gathering was organized under the banner of Jahangirnagar Against Repression.
The torch rally commenced at 8:30 p.m. on Saturday from the university's Shaheed Minar and traversed various parts of the campus, concluding at BotTala, where a protest rally took place.
Numerous student leaders and activists participated, expressing outrage over what they perceive as a deteriorating human rights climate in the South Asian nation, despite the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus.
The Yunus administration had vowed to implement reforms following the July protests that led to the ousting of the elected government under former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. However, the law and order situation has only worsened since then in Bangladesh.
Sajib Ahmed Jenich, an organizer from the Socialist Student Front (Marxist) at JU, stated during the rally: "Even with the interim government in power, we are still compelled to protest against enforced disappearances, murders, and extrajudicial killings. This is truly shameful for our nation."
He directly attributed Sohag's murder to the inability of state institutions to take action against politically shielded criminals.
"When a murder is not recognized as a crime and efforts are made to downplay it, criminals become emboldened to act further. Sohag was killed over extortion; the blame lies equally with the BNP and the current interim government," he asserted.
During the rally, a student expressed to The Dhaka Tribune, "After taking a life, they are trampling over the deceased to showcase their dominance. They believe it's just another political occurrence. Can they guarantee that tomorrow they or their loved ones won't be victims of extortionists? If not, they must comprehend our current reality, a year post the July uprising. The terror we faced last July has only intensified. We saw no significant outcomes from that movement."
Earlier this week, Sohag was brutally killed in broad daylight near the entrance of Sir Salimullah Medical College, Mitford Hospital.
Witness accounts revealed that he was dragged out of his shop, beaten with iron rods and concrete chunks, and left lifeless on the street as bystanders looked on in disbelief.
Students at JU pledged to persist in their protests, demanding justice for Sohag and all victims of politically motivated and communal violence across the nation.
Point of View
It is crucial to recognize the valid concerns raised by students regarding the ongoing violence and the apparent ineffectiveness of governmental responses. The call for justice and accountability is not just a reflection of individual tragedies but signals a larger systemic issue that requires immediate attention from both political leaders and civil society.
NationPress
13/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the recent student protests in Dhaka?
The student protests were sparked by the brutal murder of a scrap trader named Lal Chand, highlighting ongoing issues of violence and crime in the country.
Who organized the protest at Jahangirnagar University?
The protest was organized under the banner of Jahangirnagar Against Repression, involving various student leaders and activists.
What are the students demanding?
Students are demanding justice for the murdered trader and accountability for the rising violence and human rights abuses in Bangladesh.
How does the current government relate to the protests?
The protests highlight frustrations over the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus, which has failed to address the escalating crime and violence in the country.
What was the reaction of the protestors to the government's promises?
Protestors expressed disappointment that the government's promises of reform have not materialized, leading to increased violence and insecurity.
