AFM Bahauddin Nasim, joint general secretary of the Awami League, has censured the lynching of a former Chhatra League leader of Rajshahi University, calling it a politically motivated murder.
In a statement issued on Sunday, he demanded that those involved in the killing be brought to justice.
On Saturday, Abdullah Al Masud “left home to buy medicine for his newborn daughter when he was attacked by an organized group,” Nasim said.
“He was first beaten while stuffed in a sack, then left near Boalia police station in Rajshahi. Such brutal acts, committed in front of law enforcement, clearly reflect the deterioration of the rule of law. He was even denied the opportunity to be taken to a hospital for treatment. Masud, lying on the ground, repeatedly asked for water, but his killers showed no compassion. The murderers made sure Masud died right there on the ground.
“I urge everyone not to describe this politically motivated killing as a death at the hands of students or the public, or as mob justice.”
In cases of serious crimes, even courts usually did not sentence disabled individuals to death, yet Masud had been killed in such a brutal manner, which was a grave violation of human rights, Nasim remarked.
He said the silence of both domestic and international human rights organizations on these matters was deeply disappointing, adding that he expected them to speak out, as they had in the past, to protect human rights and uphold the rule of law.
After losing his leg in an attack in 2014, Masud used a prosthetic leg to move around.
Boalia model police station Officer-in-Charge (OC) SM Masud Parvez on Sunday said Masud had been attacked over allegations of attacking students and the general public on August 5.
He was initially taken to Matihar police station by a group of students.
However, as there was no case registered there related to the August 5 incident, Masud was later arrested under a violence case filed with Boalia police station.
The OC said Masud had been severely injured in the mob attack and, given his condition, had been taken to Rajshahi Medical College Hospital with the help of the army.
“But he died there. Legal actions will be taken if his family wants.”
