Dhaka:
Seven individuals have been arrested in connection with the grisly lynching of a scrap trader near Sir Salimullah Medical College in Old Dhaka, police confirmed on Saturday, following widespread outrage and student-led protests.
The victim, 39 year old Lal Chand, also known as Sohag, was attacked on 9 July near Gate No. 3 of Mitford Hospital. Reports indicate that he was beaten and bludgeoned to death with chunks of concrete in broad daylight, a horrifying moment captured on CCTV and shared across social media. Moments after his death, attackers were filmed dancing on his body.
Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) stated that five arrests were made initially by local officers and two suspects were later apprehended by the Rapid Action Battalion. Confirmed detainees include Mahmudul Hasan Mohin, 41, and Tarek Rahman Robin, 22, the latter allegedly carrying an illegal firearm. The investigation revealed that the killing stemmed from a longstanding scrap trade rivalry and alleged extortion demands imposed on the victim.
Soon after the violent event, scenes of protests erupted at multiple university campuses, including Dhaka University, BUET, Jahangirnagar University, and Rajshahi University, as thousands of students decried the resurgence of mob justice and demanded a swift legal resolution.
Eyewitnesses and family told The Daily Star that a group of 15–20 individuals attacked Lal Chand at his scrap yard, dragged him to the hospital gate, and repeatedly struck him with sharp and blunt objects before delivering the fatal blows. His wife, Lucky Akter, later voiced her heartbreak, reportedly asking: “How could they kill a man so brutally?”. A murder case was filed at Kotwali Police Station by Lal Chand’s sister, naming 19 accused and identifying several others.
Authorities also revealed that individuals linked to BNP’s youth and student wings: Jubo Dal, Swechhasebak Dal and Chatra Dal who were allegedly involved. In response, the BNP expelled five members from its organisation.
Police Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Jasim Uddin explained that two individuals were initially arrested, with a pistol seized from one suspect. The RAB captured two more suspects near Keraniganj Ibn Sina Hospital, followed by a seventh arrest later that night.
This chilling incident is the latest in a disturbing trend of mob violence in Bangladesh. Rights groups have reported a rise in “lynchings” since last year’s political upheaval, which saw increased vigilante killings linked to religious and political affiliations.
Home Affairs adviser Jahangir Alam Chowdhury described the murder as “very unfortunate for a civilized country.” He reassured the public that security agencies are acting firmly, and urged citizens to assist in the swift arrest and prosecution of all perpetrators.
Student bodies on campuses continued protests on 12 July, urging the interim government, led by Muhammad Yunus, to restore law and order and hold those responsible to account. Demonstrators accused political actors of permitting a culture of violence and declared that they would not rest until justice is achieved.
Justice is now expected to move through the judicial system, with police promising full transparency at each stage of the trial. The arrest of all seven suspects offers a sign of movement, though campaigners warn deeper investigations are needed to address underlying political and societal causes.
As the city mourns and demand for justice grows, Lal Chand’s death remains a stark reminder of Bangladesh’s urgent need to address mob violence and reinforce faith in state protection.
