Tragic Death of Father and Son Sparks Riots

A routine police checkpoint in the Old Ferry Ghat area of Jamalpur city turned into a scene of carnage and civil unrest on Friday, after a speeding lorry struck a stationary motorcycle, killing a father and his eldest son. The incident has triggered a violent backlash against local law enforcement, with grieving relatives and angry bystanders accusing the police of negligence and extortion.

The Fatal Collision

At approximately 1:30 pm, Delwar Mahmud (50), an employee of a private firm, was travelling from Jamalpur to his ancestral home in Sherpur. He was accompanied by his two sons, Istiaq Ahmed (20), a first-year university student, and five-year-old Abrar.

Upon reaching the southern end of the Brahmaputra Bridge, the family was signalled to stop at a police search post. Witnesses claim that as the motorcycle remained stationary for inspection, a lorry travelling at high speed from the opposite direction ploughed into them. The impact was catastrophic; Delwar and Istiaq were killed instantly. Young Abrar sustained critical injuries and is currently fighting for his life at Jamalpur General Hospital.

Public Outrage and Highway Blockade

The tragedy ignited immediate fury among the local populace. Allegations quickly surfaced that the police officers on duty were more interested in collecting “tolls” (illegal extortion) than ensuring road safety. Protesters claimed that the officers fled the scene rather than assisting the dying victims.

In the ensuing chaos, a mob attacked the police, assaulting several officers and vandalising a police pick-up van. The vital Jamalpur-Sherpur highway was barricaded for three and a half hours, leaving hundreds of vehicles stranded.

Allegations of Negligence

Abdur Razzak, a relative of the deceased, expressed the community’s resentment: “The police set up these posts daily to extort money. They forced them to stop in a dangerous position. When the lorry hit them, the officers didn’t lift a finger to help; they simply ran away. It was their greed that killed my family.”

The Additional Superintendent of Police (Sadar Circle), Yahya Al Mamun, stated that the situation is now under control but declined to comment further on the specific allegations of extortion or dereliction of duty.