- A Dhaka court placed seven individuals, including former ministers, on a two-day remand.
- The case involves the murder of autorickshaw driver Hafizul during the 2024 student protests.
- The court granted remand after police requested five days for interrogation.
- The protests led to the resignation of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
- The case remains a focal point in Bangladesh’s political and legal landscape.
Dhaka, February 3, 2025 – A Dhaka court has placed seven individuals, including former private industry affairs adviser Salman F Rahman and former law minister Anisul Huq, on a two-day remand each in connection with the murder of autorickshaw driver Hafizul Shikder during the 2024 student-led protests. The ruling follows police requests for five days of interrogation.
The other accused are Zunaid Ahmed Palak, Dr. Dipu Moni, Atiqul Islam, AHM Shamsuddin Chowdhury Manik, and Golam Sarwar Pintu. Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate GM Farhan Ishtiak issued the order after reviewing the case details and hearing arguments from law enforcement authorities.
Background of the Case
On July 20, 2024, autorickshaw driver Hafizul Shikder participated in an anti-discrimination student rally in Dhaka’s Badda area. Around 3 PM, he was shot and killed during the demonstration. Witnesses reported heavy police presence and violent clashes between law enforcement and protesters.
Following the incident, public outrage grew, with protestors demanding justice for Hafizul. The case was officially filed on August 21, 2024, at Badda Police Station. Investigators allege that the arrested individuals played roles in orchestrating or authorizing actions leading to Hafizul’s death.
The July-August 2024 Student Protests
The protests erupted in mid-July 2024 after the government reinstated a job quota favoring ruling party affiliates. Students across Bangladesh took to the streets, demanding fair opportunities and an end to political influence in public sector employment.
The movement rapidly expanded, triggering mass demonstrations in Dhaka, Chittagong, and other major cities. The government’s response included curfews, internet shutdowns, and police crackdowns. Reports indicated that hundreds of people lost their lives in violent clashes.
The unrest peaked in early August, ultimately leading to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s resignation and exile. The new administration vowed to investigate human rights abuses and alleged crimes committed during the crackdown, including Hafizul’s murder.
Legal Proceedings and Public Reaction
The court’s decision to remand the seven accused has drawn widespread attention. Law enforcement officials argue that the interrogation will help uncover the chain of command responsible for Hafizul’s death.
Public reactions remain mixed. Some activists see the arrests as a step toward justice, while opposition figures claim the case is being used to settle political scores. International human rights organizations are closely monitoring the proceedings, calling for a transparent trial.
Legal experts believe the case could set a precedent for accountability in Bangladesh’s political and judicial systems. The outcome will likely influence future investigations into human rights violations during the former regime.
As the investigation continues, authorities face mounting pressure to ensure a fair and impartial legal process. The trial’s outcome is expected to have significant political and judicial ramifications in Bangladesh, shaping the country’s approach to justice and governance moving forward.