In a tragic incident in Gazipur’s Sreepur upazila, a young man named Israfil (24) was brutally beaten to death following accusations of theft. The incident, which mirrors the recent death of mentally ill Dhaka University student Tofazzal Hossain, occurred under the leadership of a local BNP leader, according to the victim’s family.
Israfil, a construction worker and resident of Bashbari village, succumbed to his injuries on Thursday, September 26, after 13 days of treatment at Gazipur’s Shaheed Tajuddin Ahmad Medical College Hospital.
On September 13, Israfil was asleep in his home when a group of men, led by local youth Sohag, woke him up and questioned him about the theft of a battery from a nearby mosque. He was then forcibly taken to the field of Shailat West Para Government Primary School, where he was tied up and severely tortured. The attackers used iron rods to beat his feet and back. Later, they poured boiling water over his lower body, causing severe burns and blisters from his legs to his waist.
Despite pleas from Israfil and his family, the attackers intensified the abuse, kicking him repeatedly in the chest, stomach, and back. Family members were threatened and prevented from approaching during the attack.
On September 16, Israfil’s father, Nasir Uddin, filed a written complaint with the police, naming Kamrul Hasan Liton, Babul Mondal, and Shafiqul Islam among the accused, along with 6-7 unidentified individuals. However, as of Thursday, the complaint had not been officially registered as a case.
Kamrul Hasan Liton (50), the main suspect, is reported to be the General Secretary of Ward 2 BNP in Gazipur Union.
The victim’s father, Nasir Uddin, recounted the horror of the incident, stating, “My son was dragged from his sleep and taken to the field, where they beat him for hours. At one point, they poured boiling water on him, causing blisters all over his lower body. He begged for water and mercy, but they denied him even a drop.”
The family has demanded justice for Israfil’s death and expressed frustration over the delay in police action.
