Panchagarh Family Demands Justice for Arifur Rahman Killing

The family of Arifur Rahman, who was killed during violent clashes in Panchagarh on March 3, 2023, is urgently demanding justice and accountability from the authorities. The unrest in the region erupted over demands to halt the Ahmadiyya community's Salana Jalsa, resulting in tragic circumstances that claimed Arifur Rahman's life. According to his father, Forman Ali, the young man was not involved in any political activities and had simply been caught in the middle of the street clashes while returning home after performing his Friday Jummah prayers. Tragically, he never returned alive, and his grieving family ultimately discovered his body at a local hospital.

In the wake of the incident, the legal and administrative handling of the case faced significant controversy and distress for the victim's family. Forman Ali recounted that following the clashes, he was coerced into signing a document at the Panchagarh Sadar Police Station. This paper falsely claimed that his son's death was caused by brick-pelting and stated that the family had no further demands or grievances. Despite these initial hurdles, a formal murder case was eventually filed months later on June 4, 2023, by Panchagarh Sadar Police Station Sub-Inspector Farhad Hossain. Furthermore, acting on a subsequent court order, the authorities exhumed Arifur Rahman's body on July 10, 2023, to perform a proper autopsy, though the family notes they have still not received the official autopsy report.

Forman Ali also recalled a visit from Major Hafiz Uddin Ahmad to his home shortly after the tragedy occurred, during which the prominent figure offered words of comfort and assured the mourning father that justice for the killing would be delivered one day. Reflecting on that promise, Forman Ali noted that Major Hafiz Uddin Ahmad's party is now in power, and with the political landscape shifted, the father is making a direct plea for that promised accountability. He emphasized that he has no personal demands or expectations other than uncovering the true identities of those responsible for his son's death and seeing them face legal consequences.

The push for accountability has continued to gain public momentum through organized civic action in the region. On September 22, 2024, a series of protests, human chains, and memorandum submissions were held under the banner of the 'Shaheed Arifur Rahman Smriti Parishad'. These demonstrations specifically demanded justice and proper rehabilitation for the affected parties. Through these public gatherings, the community and the grieving family have reiterated their singular message to the government, the administration, and all relevant stakeholders: a demand for a transparent and comprehensive investigation that will finally secure swift justice for Arifur Rahman.