Three BNP-affiliated organisations – Jatiyatabadi Jubo Dal, Sechchhasebak Dal, and Chhatra Dal – have raised serious concerns about the investigation into the brutal murder of scrap trader Mohammad Sohag near Mitford Hospital, alleging that clearly identifiable perpetrators seen in video footage are being protected.
At an emergency press conference held at BNP’s Nayapaltan central office on Saturday, the organisations presented what they called disturbing discrepancies in the case.
Jubo Dal President Monayem Munna, addressing journalists, stated that CCTV and mobile footage clearly shows individuals directly involved in the attack, yet none have been named as prime accused in the case.
“The main assailant who carried out the killing remains at large even 60 hours after this horrific crime,” Munna said, expressing bewilderment at the investigation’s direction. He cited statements from the victim’s daughter claiming that three clearly involved individuals had been excluded from the case while three apparently uninvolved persons were included instead.
The youth leader also questioned the unusual two-day delay between Wednesday’s daylight attack and Friday’s viral spread of the footage, suggesting possible intentional interference. “This raises legitimate questions about whether certain quarters are manipulating the investigation,” Munna added.
In what they described as a demonstration of organisational responsibility, the three BNP affiliates announced they had permanently expelled five members allegedly connected to the incident. However, Munna challenged authorities to match their actions, asking why hundreds of activists expelled by the parties over the past year hadn’t faced corresponding legal consequences.
The press conference took on a broader political tone as Munna warned against undemocratic forces exploiting the current volatile situation, drawing parallels with Tunisia’s prolonged instability following the Arab Spring. “We urge law enforcement to act decisively while cautioning citizens to remain vigilant against those who might seek political advantage from such tragedies,” he stated.
Present alongside Munna were Swechasebak Dal President SM Jilani, General Secretary Rajib Ahsan, Jubo Dal General Secretary Nurul Islam Nayan, and Chhatra Dal President Rakibul Islam Rakib, among other senior leaders. The organisations collectively condemned what they termed a “barbaric act unacceptable in any civilised society,” while demanding a transparent and impartial investigation.
Police have so far arrested four suspects in connection with the case, which has drawn widespread public outrage after video footage showed the victim being stoned to death in broad daylight near one of Old Dhaka’s busiest areas.
