Elder Dies After Assault at Arbitration, BNP Leader Expelled

A 65-year-old man was beaten to death during a village arbitration meeting in Mehendiganj, in an incident that has sparked widespread concern over public safety and the effectiveness of law enforcement. The fatal assault occurred on Sunday afternoon (22 March) in Charhogla Village, reportedly in the presence of police officers who were unable to prevent the violence.

The victim, Khorshed Sikdar, had been involved in a longstanding dispute over unpaid construction costs. According to local sources and police statements, both parties had agreed to settle the matter through a traditional shalish (informal mediation), a common practice in rural Bangladesh. However, what began as a mediation effort quickly escalated into a heated argument and subsequently turned violent.

Footage circulating on social media shows a group of individuals brutally assaulting Sikdar with sticks and chairs, even as several police personnel stood nearby. Despite attempts by officers to intervene, they failed to disperse the attackers in time to save the victim. Sikdar eventually collapsed under the sustained blows and was rushed to Mehendiganj Upazila Health Complex, where doctors declared him dead upon arrival.

The incident has taken a political turn following allegations that a local leader of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) was involved in the assault. Jahangir Howlader, general secretary of Ward No. 1 unit of the Mehendiganj municipal BNP, has been permanently expelled from the party. A statement confirming his expulsion was issued on Sunday night, signed by municipal BNP convenor Syed Riaz Shahin Liton and member secretary Riaz Uddin Chowdhury Dinu Mia.

Sub-Inspector Bashir Ahmed of Mehendiganj thana police stated that officers responded promptly after receiving reports of unrest. However, the sudden escalation of violence made it difficult to contain the situation. The body of the deceased has been sent to Barishal for a post-mortem examination.

At least three other individuals were injured during the clash, with some reported to be in serious condition. The victim’s family is preparing to file a formal case, while police have launched an campaign to identify and arrest those responsible.

Barishal’s Superintendent of Police, A.Z.M. Mostafizur Rahman, acknowledged that officers had attempted to restore order but were overwhelmed by the situation.

Below is a summary of the incident:

The In the incident has raised serious questions about the safety of informal dispute resolution mechanisms and the preparedness of law enforcement in volatile situation.