Sylhet: August 4, 2024, marked one of the bloodiest days of the anti-discrimination movement in Sylhet. As student-led protests demanding the resignation of then-Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina intensified across the country, demonstrators in Sylhet's Golapganj upazila clashed with police, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) personnel, and activists of the then-ruling party. Six protesters were killed after being struck by gunfire during the violence.
Following the change of government on August 5, separate murder cases were filed over the killings. However, despite the passage of two years, investigations into all six cases remain incomplete. The victims' families have expressed growing frustration over the prolonged investigation, the absence of trial proceedings, and allegations that several principal accused individuals continue to move freely. Police, meanwhile, say the investigations are in their final stages and charge sheets will be submitted to the court soon.
According to case documents, around 11:00 a.m. on August 4, students and local residents brought out a procession at Dhakadakshin Bazar in Golapganj to observe a nationwide programme demanding the government's resignation. Clashes soon erupted between protesters and members of the police and BGB, leading to nearly three hours of running battles. At one stage, protesters chased security personnel towards the Upazila Health Complex, where police and BGB allegedly opened fire.
The shooting left four protesters dead: businessman Taj Uddin, 43, son of Md. Mokbul Ali of Dharabahar village; Sani Ahmed, 18, of Shilghat; Nazmul Islam, 22, son of Toiyob Ali of Nishchintapur village; and Hasan Ahmed, 20, son of Churui Mia of Raygarh in Dhakadakshin.
Later, around 3:00 p.m., another procession was held in Golapganj municipal town, where fresh clashes broke out between protesters and security forces. Police and BGB again opened fire, leaving several people injured. Two more protesters—Gous Uddin, 29, son of the late Mobarak Ali of Ghoshgaon village, and Minhaj Ahmed, 26, son of Aladdin of Tarail village—succumbed to gunshot wounds.
Following the filing of murder cases, the victims' bodies were exhumed for post-mortem examinations. Yet, two years after the incident, investigations into none of the six cases have been completed.
Saiful Islam, brother of slain protester Nazmul Islam, said both siblings had participated in the anti-discrimination movement. He alleged that police, BGB personnel, and helmeted individuals fired indiscriminately at demonstrators. According to him, Nazmul was attempting to rescue two children standing in front of the crowd when he was shot in the left side of his neck while helping the second child to safety. Saiful expressed disappointment that judicial proceedings have yet to begin even after two years.
Saeed Ahmed, brother of victim Minhaj Ahmed, said his brother was critically injured during the shooting and was taken to Sylhet MAG Osmani Medical College Hospital, where doctors declared him dead. He alleged that authorities initially withheld the body and that the family was only able to recover it after the fall of the government. He said the bullet entered through one side of Minhaj's abdomen and exited through the other.
Saeed added that he had filed a case naming 55 accused and hoped investigators would complete the probe quickly to ensure justice. He also urged authorities to ensure that no innocent person is wrongfully implicated and that no perpetrator escapes accountability.
The family of Sani Ahmed, who was the sole earning member of his household, said they have been left in severe financial hardship since his death. Family members also expressed anger that those allegedly involved in the killings have yet to be brought under the law.
Sylhet Superintendent of Police Dr. Chowdhury Md. Jaber Sadeq said the anti-discrimination movement cases involve a large number of accused individuals, requiring investigators to carefully verify evidence before filing charges. He said investigations into the cases under the district police are nearly complete, several suspects have already been arrested, and investigation reports will be submitted to the court shortly.
