Kashem Khan, 20, injured in an attack by Awami League leader Mozammel Haque’s followers in Gazipur, has died while receiving treatment.
In response, student movement leader Hasnat Abdullah has demanded a ban on the Awami League. At the same time, activists of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement have announced a coffin procession to protest Kashem’s murder.
Hasnat’s call for Awami League ban
On Wednesday afternoon, Hasnat Abdullah made a Facebook post from his verified account, referring to Kashem as the "first martyr of the counter-revolution."
He wrote: "Kashem has been martyred due to the attack by Awami terrorists in Gazipur. This brother of mine is the first martyr of the counter-revolution. Interim government, ban Awami League—this must be done!"
In another post, he wrote: "Aynaghar, Hasina’s killings, in the counter-revolution, my brother Kashem has been martyred. Enough is enough. There is no turning back now. The Awami League must be banned."
He also used the hashtag #BanAwamiLeague in his post.
Coffin procession in protest of Kashem’s murder
A funeral prayer for Kashem has been scheduled for Wednesday at 9pm at the Central Shaheed Minar.
Following the prayer, a coffin procession will be held, demanding justice and a ban on the Awami League.
Additionally, calls have been made for funeral prayers in absentia and coffin processions in every district, sub-district, union, and village across the country.
Kashem’s background and the attack
Kashem Khan was a resident of South Kalmeshwar village in Board Bazar, Gazipur.
His father, Jamal Haji, passed away two years ago, and his mother remarried.
He made a living by renting out a three-room house.
According to reports, Kashem was critically injured in an attack on Friday night by followers of former minister Mozammel Haque.
He was immediately admitted to Dhaka Medical College Hospital. As his condition worsened, he was moved to the ICU, where he succumbed to his injuries this afternoon.
Demands for justice and political reactions
Leaders of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement have said that preparations are underway for protest marches demanding justice for Kashem’s murder and a ban on the Awami League.
Protest programs have been announced in Gazipur and other parts of the country.
Law enforcement agencies have said that they are monitoring the situation and will take legal action regarding the murder.