A Chhatra League leader died in police custody in Munshiganj yesterday. The dead is Asif Hasan, 21, acting president of Kola Union BCL in Sirajdikhan upazila.
He was severely injured in an attack carried out by his “rivals” following a feud over the UP polls held in the area on March 22, said his family members.
Police arrested Asif instead of taking action against the attackers and he died due to their negligence, alleged Habibur Rahman, Asif’s father.
Locals said there was a tension between Asif and Kola Union BCL General Secretary Yamin Hossain over the polls.
The victim was a supporter of the newly-elected chairman in the union, Liakat Mir.
Local AL leader Nasiruddin Chowdhury vied for the chairman as a party rebel candidate. He had the support of Yamin, they added.
On the night of April 12, Yamin along with some of his followers assaulted Asif with iron rods after forcibly taking him to a house, alleged Liakat.
Asif was admitted to a local hospital later.
By that time, Yamin’s mother filed a case against Asif with Sirajdikhan police, accusing him of beating her son.
Later on, police took Asif in their custody from the hospital.
He was taken to Munshiganj Sadar General Hospital the next day after his condition deteriorated.
The father alleged that Asif was sent to jail without being treated properly.
“We had repeatedly requested police to keep him in the hospital. But they did not pay any heed to us,” said Habibur. He also alleged that Asif was arrested in a “false” case.
Talking to reporters, Yardous Hasan, officer-in-charge of Sirajdikhan Police Station, said Asif was arrested on charges of attacking Yamin.
He, however, could not give any “satisfactory” answer when he was asked
why Asif had not been provided with proper treatment.
Supporters of Sirajdikhan AL and BCL brought out processions in the area, protesting the “killing” of the leader. They also demanded a proper investigation into the incident and trial of the culprits.
With Asif, at least 36 people have been killed in violence over the ongoing UP polls across the country.
Daily star