Students of Sir Salimullah Medical College Hospital, popularly known as Mitford Hospital, announced an indefinite shutdown of academic and clinical activities on Sunday. The protest comes in response to the horrific lynching of 39-year-old scrap trader Lal Chand, also known as Sohag, near the hospital’s Gate No. 3 on July 9.
During a mass rally held at the medical college grounds, students raised serious concerns about the deteriorating security conditions on campus. “Patients should not feel unsafe while seeking treatment, and we should not attend classes in fear,” said one protesting student. The shutdown will continue until key demands are met, including the ban on unauthorised outsiders, removal of illegal shops, deployment of more Ansar personnel, and overall strengthening of campus security.
Gruesome murder sparks outrage
According to CCTV footage and eyewitnesses, Sohag was savagely attacked with bricks, iron rods, sticks, and stones. His head and torso were crushed, and he was stripped and stomped on even after he lost consciousness. The assailants reportedly celebrated the killing by dancing around his body, a detail that has deeply shaken both students and locals.
Initial investigations point to a long-standing extortion racket targeting scrap traders. Lal Chand had reportedly refused to pay Tk 2 lakh monthly, a demand allegedly made by a local criminal syndicate. His family believes this refusal led to his murder. His sister Sajeda Begum stated, “They tried to take over his business. When he refused to pay, they lured him out and stoned him to death.”
Victim misidentified as Hindu by Indian media
While several Indian media outlets identified Lal Chand as a Hindu based on his name, Bangladeshi sources confirmed he was Muslim. His family members include father Ayub Ali, mother Aleya Begum, wife Lucky Begum, and children Sohan and Sohana. He was buried in a Muslim family graveyard in Islampur village. His shop, “Sohana Metal,” was named after his daughter.
The misidentification appears to have stemmed from a linguistic assumption about his name, which has now been clarified by family members and Bangladeshi authorities.
Political links and arrests
So far, five individuals have been arrested in connection with the murder: Mahmudul Hasan Mohin (41, prime accused), Tarek Rahman Robin (22), Alamgir (28), Monir alias Lomba Monir (32), and Titon Gazi (32). A pistol was also recovered from Robin. A murder case listing 19 named and 15–20 unnamed suspects has been filed at Kotwali Police Station by the victim’s sister Monjuara Begum.
Crucially, some of the arrested individuals are affiliated with various wings of the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), including Jubo Dal, Swechchhasebak Dal, and Chhatra Dal. The BNP has since expelled five of them in an apparent damage-control move.
Larger criminal nexus over scrap trade
Authorities believe the murder was rooted in territorial and financial disputes over the thriving scrap metal trade in Rajani Bose Lane, Old Dhaka. The area has long been a hotspot for illegal syndicates operating under political protection, say sources familiar with the matter.
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