Nagorik Committee rally demands arrest of cops

They expressed resentment that there has not been any progress in investigation of the case 47 days after the murder.

A large number of people attended the rally held at the Shaheed Minar, where the speakers demanded capital punishment to the culprits to stop recurrence of death in custody.

Sajedur Rahman Sajid, 26, of Munshipara in Gaibandha town, a medical representative of a pharmacutical company, was arrested on the night of May 18. He was taken on seven days' remand.

On May 21, on the third day of remand, he died in custody. Police claimed that he committed suicide but the autopsy report said the youth was strangled.

The death in custody triggered protests by local people and socio-cultural organisations, who organised a series of agitation programmes including protest rallies, formation of human chains and submission of memorandum to the Deputy Commissioner for arrest of persons responsible for the alleged murder. Black flags were hoisted atop all houses and shops in the town as a mark of protest.

Speakers at yesterday's rally also demanded arrest of ruling party cadres who attacked and foiled a peaceful Nagorik Committee rally held earlier in the town to protest the murder.

They alleged that former Officer-in-Charge of Gaibandha Sadar police station was involved in the murder and demanded formation of a high-powered committee to investigate the matter.