Half-day strike observed in Gaibandha demanding justice for businessman’s murder

A forum observed half-day strike from 6 am to 2 pm today, raising four-point demand for justice for trader Hasan Ali's murder, whose body was found in an AL leader's house by police.

All shops in Gaibandha town were closed and no long-distance bus left the town during the strike. But, intercity buses and three wheelers were seen moving after 12 pm, reports our Bogura correspondent.

The protest forum, which includes people from different professional backgrounds, has been demonstrating for Hasan Ali's murder through various programmes.

Gaibandha Bar Association General Secretary Sirajul Islam Babu told The Daily Star that the strike to demand justice for Hasan's murder went peacefully. If their 4-point demand is not met, more stringent programmes will be announced within next two days, he said.

Police found Hasan's body in a bathroom of ruling party leader Masud Rana's home in Gaibandha town on April 10. According to Hasan's family, he was abducted by Rana, who is deputy office secretary of Gaibandha Awami League, on March 5. Hasan was kept confined in the house and tortured because he owed Rana money and was unable to pay, the deceased's family said.

Hasan's family also said that police looked the other way and allowed Rana to torture and eventually kill Hasan and this must be investigated urgently and impartially.

When people of Gaibandha started protesting against the incident, two police officers involved in the murder were transferred from Gaibandha, but no legal action was taken against them, they alleged.