New Dhaka Times: Desk Report
In Tahirpur Upazila of Sunamganj District, Bangladesh, a young man was publicly tied to a post with a rope and beaten by local residents over allegations of theft. Later, he was released after confessing and signing a statement promising not to repeat such actions. It is alleged that he is a leader of the Union Youth League.
The incident took place last Sunday (June 1) in Saderkhola village of South Bardal Union. The accused youth, Isha Mia (35), is the son of Sayed Ali of that village. According to local sources, he is the Joint General Secretary of the Union Youth League.
A video of the incident spread on social media. In the video, Isha Mia is seen pleading while tied to a post. He says, “There are goods in my house too, I will bring them. Give me some water. I will do whatever you say. But please don’t beat me anymore, don’t torture me.”
According to locals, on Saturday night a theft occurred at Rahim Mia’s shop near Haji M.A. Zaher High School. On suspicion, some youths caught Isha Mia the next morning, tied him to a post near the shop, and beat him.
Eyewitnesses said that during the beating, Isha Mia admitted to the theft and some stolen goods were also recovered from him. However, none of his family members were present at the scene at the time. Later, UP member Ropon Mia and local elders arrived and released him through a village arbitration after he signed a statement.
Regarding this, UP member Ropon Mia said, “There were previous theft allegations against Isha. This time he was caught red-handed. He confessed and some goods were recovered. Based on the opinion of the villagers, he was released after signing a statement.”
However, current leaders of the Youth League did not comment on Isha Mia’s position in the organization. Multiple calls to Saiful Islam, president of South Bardal Union Youth League, went unanswered. Former General Secretary Masuk Mia said, “I resigned in 2020. I do not know who is currently in charge.”
Regarding the matter, Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Tahirpur Police Station Mohammad Delwar Hossain said, “No one has filed a complaint with the police. However, detaining and beating someone on suspicion of theft is illegal. No one has the right to take the law into their own hands.”