Chhatra Dal leader arrested in Barishal over killing BCL activist for refusing to pay extortion

Members of the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) have arrested Alamin Talukder, prime accused in killing a Chhatra League activist Rashed, who was beaten to death for refusing to pay extortion money in Barishal. 

Talukder, president of Barthi Union Chhatra Dal, was arrested on Saturday evening (7 September) from Shariatpur’s Chikandi Bazar, according to the RAB-8 headquarters.

Russel Shikder, elder brother of the deceased, said Rashed used to manage his business in Dhaka. On 16 August, he returned home with his two-year-old son. After Friday prayers, he went to the Barthi market to buy fruits for his son. There, he was accosted by Chhatra Dal members who demanded money, threatening to evict him from the area if he refused. 

He went on to say that when Rashed declined to pay, he was brutally beaten by a group of 10-15 individuals, including Saimun, Hamim Talukder, and the Barthi Union Chhatra Dal President Al Amin. 

Rashed was initially taken to the Upazila Hospital and later transferred to Barishal Sher-e-Bangla Medical College Hospital. He then succumbed to his injuries while he was being taken to Dhaka for better treatment. 

Following the incident, Rashed’s elder brother filed a case against the perpetrators. 

The accused subsequently went into hiding. 

The RAB, having identified Al Amin’s whereabouts in Shariatpur’s Chikandi Bazar, arrested him on Saturday night.

Anwar Hossain, officer-in-charge of Gournadi Police Station, stated that four individuals have been charged in connection with Rashed’s murder. 

He said the arrested Chhatra Dal leader has been sent to jail after he confessed to the crime.