A police van allegedly used in the infamous burning of six people during the July mass uprising in Ashulia on 5 August has been found after remaining missing for more than two years.
The burnt-out van was discovered during a land eviction drive at Baipail in Ashulia on Thursday.
It has since been moved to a government dumping station in Kabirpur.
The vehicle had reportedly been sought by investigators in connection with a case over the killings but could not be located despite repeated searches.
The van came to light when authorities began clearing a temporary police dumping station during the eviction drive led by Mahibullah Akon, assistant commissioner (land) and executive magistrate of the Ashulia Revenue Circle.
As news of the recovery spread, local residents and “July fighters” of the anti-discrimination movement gathered at the site, demanding that the vehicle be permanently preserved at the July Memory Museum as a historical testament to the martyrs’ sacrifice and the alleged brutality by police during the uprising.
Several activists present at the scene alleged that six people were killed outside Ashulia Police Station on 5 August, including one person who was initially alive.
They said they had been searching for the vehicle since the incident and demanded that it be preserved at a July memorial museum rather than sent for disposal.
“We have been looking for this vehicle for a long time. It bears testimony to the blood and sacrifice of our fellow protesters,” one activist said.
Savar Upazila Nirbahi Officer Saiful Islam and Ashulia Police Station Officer-in-Charge Tarikul Islam said they had discussed the matter with higher authorities.
They added that the authorities of the July Memorial Museum had been informed and expressed interest in preserving the vehicle.
For now, the van remains at the government dumping station in Kabirpur. Officials said it would be moved to an appropriate location if they receive the necessary orders.
Shahidul, officer-in-charge of the Dhaka District Reserve Force, said the vehicle could only be transferred following the required legal procedures.
He said an order from the Law Ministry, approval from the Home Ministry and directions from the court would be required before any such move could be made.
According to accounts of the 5 August incident, five people were shot dead in front of Ashulia Police Station around 3pm, while another person was critically injured. One survivor and the bodies of five others were initially placed in a van before being transferred to a police vehicle.
Activists allege that the six people were then set on fire inside the police vehicle.
The discovery of the burnt van more than two years after the incident has sparked renewed interest in the case in Ashulia.
