New Dhaka Times: Desk Report
In Shahjahanpur upazila of Bogura, Youth Dal leader Forkan Ali (47) died of a heart attack after being chased by law enforcement during a protest demanding the fall of the Awami League government. He was the convener of the Khottapara Union Youth Dal and a resident of Ghasira village. The family stated that he was not killed by any attack or gunfire, but rather died of a heart attack.
However, a party leader filed a case in court terming the incident a ‘murder’. In this case, a total of 560 people, including former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, were named as accused, with 160 of them identified by name. Forkan’s father Abdul Kuddus submitted applications to the court and the Superintendent of Police for withdrawal of the case. He also opposed the exhumation of his son’s body.
Despite this, arrests of Awami League and affiliated organization members continue based on the case. So far, 80 people mentioned in the investigation and FIR have been arrested. Most recently, on Saturday night (May 31), Upazila Krishak League Vice-President Alal Uddin was arrested from his home.
Locals said Forkan worked at a private organization called TMSS and died after being chased during the political rally. However, a Youth Dal leader named Yunus Ali Holud claimed that Forkan was shot dead.
Shahjahanpur Police Station’s Investigation Officer Masud Karim stated that the family did not file any case and obstructed the exhumation. The case filed by the party leader is still under judicial process. Arrest operations are ongoing.