Traders observe half-day strike in Gaibandha

Traders in Gaibandha brought out a procession in the town during their half-day shutdown yesterday demanding arrest an trial of killers of Sajedur Rahman Sajid. PHOTO: STAR

Gaibandha Traders' Coordination Council called the shutdown from 6 am to 12 noon demanding arrest of the Sadar thana Officer-in-Charge.

During shutdown, traders, joined by people, brought out a procession in the town and held a meeting at local Shaheed Miner premise.

Presided over by Shajada Anowerul Kadir, the rally was addressed by, among others former chairman of Gaibandha Pourashava Wahiduzzaman Khan Titu, Sajid's father Abdur Rouf Sarker and elder brother Majedur Rahman Majed.

The speakers expressed their concern and indignation at the silence of the administration regarding arrest of the culprits. Non of the accused persons ahas been arrested 52 days after the alleged murder in custody, they said.

They alleged that police torture in custody has become a common practice to realise toll. Such incidents are increasing because the culprits go unpunished, they said.

There should be a code of conduct for policemen to interrogate arrested persons to check custodial death, they said.

Sajedur Rahman Sajid, 26, a medical representative from Munshipara area in the town was arrested on the night of May 18. On May 21, his body was found at the police station.

Police said Sajid committed suicide but the autopsy report said he was strangled and the body was hung.

His death in custody sparked protests in the town. People joined by activists of different socio-culture organisations held rallies, brought out processions, formed human chains, hoisted black flags atop houses and submitted a memorandum to the Deputy Commissioner for arrest of the culprits and their trial.

A case was filed with Sadar police station accusing 22 people, which was transferred to Criminal Investigation Department for investigation. But there has not been any progress in the investigation, sources said.