Three suspects arrested in connection with the murder of Dhaka University (DU) student Shahriar Alam Shammo have been placed on a six-day police remand.
Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Shahin Reza on Saturday passed the order following a hearing on a police petition seeking a 10-day remand for the accused.
The suspects are: Tamim Hawlader (30), Palash Sardar (30), and Samrat Mallick (28).
The murder occurred late on the night of 13 May. Around 11pm, Shammo was riding his motorcycle through Suhrawardy Udyan when a minor collision with another motorcycle led to a heated argument.
According to eyewitnesses, the dispute quickly escalated, and Shammo was fatally stabbed by a group of attackers. He was found critically injured around midnight and rushed to Dhaka Medical College Hospital, where doctors declared him dead.
Shammo was a Master’s student at the Institute of Education and Research at Dhaka University. He also served as the publicity secretary of the Sir AF Rahman Hall unit of the BNP-backed student organisation Chhatra Dal. He was originally from the Ullapara upazila of Sirajganj.
Following the incident, police conducted drives across the city and arrested the three accused on 14 May. They were initially sent to jail the same day under court orders.
On Saturday, investigating officer Taufiq Hasan presented the suspects before the court, seeking a 10-day remand. After the hearing, the court approved a six-day remand.
According to Shahbagh police’s general registration officer, Jinnat Ali, no defence lawyers were present in court on behalf of the accused during the hearing.
Shammo’s murder has sparked outrage among DU students and student political groups, particularly the Chhatra Dal. Protests and human chain demonstrations have been held on campus demanding justice and a thorough investigation.
Leaders of the student organisation have alleged that the murder may have political motivations, claiming it was not a mere altercation but potentially a targeted attack. However, police have thus far maintained that the incident appears to have stemmed from a spontaneous dispute.
The investigation team is exploring multiple angles, including the nature of the stabbing, any prior animosity, and the potential political affiliations of those involved.
Police say that information gathered during the remand period will be critical in determining the true motive behind the murder. The DU administration has also expressed concern over the killing and assured that they are working with law enforcement to ensure greater safety for students on campus.