| Killing of Nahid Hossain | |
| Partof: | Violence of Bangladesh Chhatra League |
| Location: | Nurjahan Super Market, New Market, Dhaka, Bangladesh |
| Date: | April 19, 2022 |
| Time: | (UTC+6) |
| Victim: | Nahid Hossain |
| Perpetrators: | Members of Bangladesh Chhatra League[1] [2] |
| Numpart: | --> |
| Dfen: | --> |
| Charges: | See the section |
On 19 April 2022, Nahid Hossain, a courier delivery person, was beaten to death, during a clash between Dhaka College students and shopkeepers in the New Market area of Dhaka. The conflict, which began over a dispute at a local eatery, escalated into violent encounters involving students from the Bangladesh Chhatra League, resulting in several injuries. Following the incident, six Dhaka College students were identified as prime suspects, and the trial, which has drawn significant attention, is still ongoing as of mid-2023.[3] [4]
The conflict, which began on the night of 18 April 2022, over a dispute between shopkeeper and students at a local eatery, quickly escalated into a large-scale confrontation. Allegedly, student members of the Chhatra League, the student wing of the Awami League, were involved in the violence, which resulted in several injuries.[5] Hossain who was passing by his workplace, was attacked by a group of assailants in suspicion of being with the shopkeepers during the clash. The attackers, some of whom were armed with machetes and wore helmets.[6] [7]
The clashes began when students were called to reinforce a group involved in a dispute at two food shops near the New Market area.[8] The fighting quickly escalated, resulting in violent encounters between students and shopkeepers throughout the night and into the next day. Over 50 people were injured in the confrontation. Hossain, who was passing through the area on his way to work, was caught in the chaos. Video footage from the incident showed Hossain being attacked by a group of men wearing helmets and wielding machetes, leaving him critically injured. He was rushed to Dhaka Medical College Hospital but died from his injuries later that day.[9] Another victim, Morsalin, a shop worker, also lost his life after being struck by a brick during the clash.[10]
In the days following the incident, the Dhaka Metropolitan Police launched an investigation and reviewed CCTV footage to identify the attackers.[11] Six Dhaka College students were named as prime suspects in Hossain's murder.[12] The assailants were reportedly linked to the Chhatra League, the student wing of the ruling Awami League party. Among the accused was Bashar Emon,[13] a second-year student in the Bangla department.[14] Emon was identified as one of the primary attackers who struck Hossain with a machete. Police conducted multiple raids in the Dhaka College dormitories, but the suspects initially evaded capture.[15]
Several suspects were subsequently arrested, and their involvement was confirmed through witness testimonies and video evidence.[16] On 24 April, two of the four identified attackers were taken into custody. By 28 April, five Dhaka College students were remanded for two days for further questioning.
The legal process began shortly after the arrests, with the suspects charged with murder under the Bangladesh Penal Code.[17]
As of mid-2023, the trial was still ongoing,[18] with Emon and others being prosecuted. The case has drawn widespread attention due to the violent nature of the crime and the involvement of students affiliated with political groups.[19] Authorities and the prosecution have sought the maximum penalty for those found guilty, as Hossain's death triggered a national response against the increasing violence associated with student political groups.
In response to the incident, Dhaka College formed a probe committee on 26 April to investigate whether its students were involved in the clashes that took place on 18 April. The college authorities stated that the committee was formed in accordance with academic regulations.[20]