In front of Gate 3 of Sir Salimullah Medical College Midford Hospital in the capital, a peanut vendor named Md. Sohag was brutally beaten to death stripped naked and struck on the head with a stone by BNP’s affiliated organization Jubo Dal leader Moin and his associates.
Sohag’s friend Mamun stated that for the past two to three months, Jubo Dal leader Moin had been demanding a large amount of extortion money from Sohag on a monthly basis. When Sohag refused to pay, about two months ago, Moin came to his shop and threatened him, saying, “I will settle the matter with you.”
On the day of the incident, around 5:00 pm, Moin and four to five of his associates found Sohag alone, attacked him with a stone, stripped him naked, and mercilessly beat him. Sohag died on the spot.
Md. Moniruzzaman, Officer-in-Charge of Kotwali Police Station, confirmed the incident and said that police have started an investigation and are trying to identify the perpetrators and the motive behind the attack.
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According to preliminary police findings, there had been a longstanding conflict between two groups over control of local trade in the area.
Locals alleged that Moin was a candidate for the position of general secretary of the Chawk Bazar unit of Jubo Dal, which made people too afraid to speak out against him.
There are also allegations that he regularly collected extortion money from street vendors and chemical traders near the hospital. Rumors suggest he also recommended individuals for third-class jobs at the hospital in exchange for large sums of money.
This incident once again highlights the alarming rise of political group dominance, leaving ordinary traders in a state of insecurity. The police have assured that prompt and exemplary action will be taken to bring the perpetrators to justice.
