Kamrul Hasan: A human chain was held in Manikganj to protest the brutal attack on apprentice lawyer and businessman Abdul Malek of the Seuta area of Manikganj municipality, and to demand exemplary punishment for the attacker, Ariful Islam Khokon. The protest took place on Sunday (28 September) at 11:00 a.m. at Swadhinata Chottor in front of the Deputy Commissioner`s office.

About three hundred people from the locality — including family members of the injured Abdul Malek, relatives, political leaders and residents — took part in the program. Protesters demanded the maximum penalty for the attacker, including the death sentence.

Speakers alleged that a dispute arose after Malek demanded overdue payment from Khokon. On 24 September at around 3:00 p.m. in the Seuta area, Ariful Islam Khokon repeatedly stabbed Abdul Malek. Severely injured, Malek was first taken to Manikganj Sadar Hospital and later admitted to Enam Medical College Hospital in Savar, Dhaka for advanced treatment, where he is currently receiving care.

Speakers at the human chain included Obaidur Rahman Pavel, Organizing Secretary of the District Krishak Dal; Advocate Awlad Hossain, former Vice President of the District Chhatra Dal; Asifur Rahman Khan Ramil, former Senior Joint General Secretary of the District Chhatra Dal; Abdul Khalek Shuvo, President of the District Chhatra Dal; former president Rezaul Islam Khan Sajib; Shamsuddin Ahmed Babu, Joint General Secretary of the Municipal Jubo Dal; the injured Malek’s father Md. Saizuddin; brother-in-law Advocate Rokibul Hasan; and other local dignitaries.

“An attack like this in broad daylight on an apprentice lawyer clearly shows how much law and order has deteriorated in the area,” the speakers said. They urged the authorities to promptly arrest Khokon and his accomplices and to ensure the harshest possible punishment under the law.

After the human chain, a protest march set off from in front of the Deputy Commissioner’s office and ended at the field in front of the Government Boys’ High School.

Local residents warned that if the attackers are not arrested quickly, they will call for stronger protests.