A murder case has been filed against 34 individuals, including former prime minister Sheikh Hasina and education minister Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury, in connection with the killing of college student Tanvir Siddique during the quota reform movement in Chittagong’s Bahaddarhat area.
Deceased Tanvir’s uncle, Mohammad Parvez, lodged the complaint on Friday night, said Zahidul Kabir, officer-in-charge (OC) of Chandgaon police station.
Other accused in the case are city Awami League's Forest and Environment Affairs Secretary Mashiur Rahman Chowdhury, Ward Councilor Md Esrarul Haque, Shaibal Das Sumon, Nur Mostafa Tinu, former general secretary of city Chhatra League Nurul Azim Roni, city Awami League leader Babar Ali, Jubo League leader Md Kaiser and others.
Additionally, 40 to 50 unidentified individuals have been implicated in the case.
The case statement alleges that Tanvir Siddique participated in the shutdown program under the banner of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement on July 18 at around 2:30pm. The students marched from the Muradpur area and staged a peaceful protest on the road in front of Bahaddarhat kacha bazar under the Chandgaon police station.
At approximately 4:20pm, a group of 40 to 50 unidentified individuals, along with the named accused, allegedly attacked the protesters on the orders of the former prime minister and education minister.
The attackers, armed with local deadly weapons hurled bricks and stones at Tanvir Siddique and other students.
Many, including Tanvir, sustained gunshot injuries. Tanvir was later declared dead upon arrival at Chittagong Medical College Hospital.
OC Zahidul Kabir said: "On July 18, college student Tanvir was killed during a firing incident amid the quota reform movement in Bahaddarhat. The deceased’s uncle has filed a murder case, alleging his nephew's death was deliberate."
He added: "The case names 34 individuals, including the former Prime Minister and Education Minister, as accused, along with 40 to 50 other unnamed suspects. Chandgoan police Inspector (Investigation) Md Chabed Ali has been assigned to lead the investigation."
On July 18, the anti-discrimination student movement announced a nationwide shutdown.
The day's events culminated in clashes between students and police, alongside Awami League leaders and activists, in Bahaddarhat, Chittagong, leading to the deaths of three students, including Tanvir Siddiqui, from gunshot wounds.
