A court has ordered the exhumation of the bodies of nine individuals killed during the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement in Baniachong, Habiganj.
The directive comes in connection with a murder case filed by the families of the deceased.
Jahangir Alam, the investigating officer and Sub-Inspector (SI) of Baniachong police station, confirmed the order on Friday night.
SI Jahangir said: “About two weeks ago, I applied to the Habiganj Senior Judicial Magistrate Court for permission to exhume the bodies. Judge Abdul Alim approved the application, and the matter has been kept confidential since then.”
When asked about the timeline for exhumation, Jahangir said: “The implementation of the order depends on the appointment of an executive magistrate by the district administration. Once that happens, we will proceed accordingly.”
The nine deceased individuals include Hossain Mia, Ashraful Islam, Tofazzal Hossain, Mojakkir Mia, Sadiqur Rahman, Sheikh Nayan Hossain, Sohel Akhanji, Akinur Rahman, and Khandaker Anas Mia.
On August 5, students protesting against discrimination gathered at Sagardighi Eidgah ground. The demonstration grew to 4,000-5,000 participants as it reached Barabazar Shaheed Minar.
A clash erupted when protesters marched towards the police station, pelting bricks at officers.
Witnesses reported that police responded with rubber bullets, tear gas, and sound grenades.
Seven individuals, including four students, died at the scene. A journalist attempting to record the event was reportedly beaten to death, while another protester succumbed to injuries in the hospital the next day.
The enraged crowd reportedly captured and beat Sub-Inspector Santosh Chowdhury to death during the violence.
Three cases were filed on behalf of the families of the nine people killed in the incident and on behalf of the police in the case of the killing of SI Santosh and the father of one of the injured.
The exhumation is expected to provide crucial evidence in the ongoing investigation.