Youth Abduction Turns Fatal in Gazaria

A young man has died following allegations that he was abducted from his home and subjected to overnight torture in Gazaria upazila of Munshiganj district, Bangladesh. The incident, which occurred late on Sunday night and came to light early Monday morning (20 April), has triggered a police investigation and widespread concern in the locality.

The deceased has been identified as Rakib, 22, son of Almgir Hossain from Shimulia village. He had been living for an extended period in a rented house in Dari Bauchar village under Bausia Union while employed at a local industrial facility.

According to family accounts, the incident began around midnight when three young men arrived at Rakib’s residence in a private vehicle. They reportedly identified themselves as acquaintances and claimed that Rakib was needed to meet an individual named Piyas. Despite initial hesitation from family members, the men insisted on their familiarity with Rakib and assured them that he would be safely returned home after the meeting.

Rakib subsequently left with them but did not return throughout the night. His mobile phone was also found switched off, deepening the family’s anxiety. By early morning, relatives began searching for him after receiving information that an unidentified young man had been found in a critically injured state near the riverbank area of Baluchar.

He was later rescued in a severely weakened condition and taken to Gazaria Upazila Health Complex, where attending physicians declared him dead on arrival.

Rakib’s mother, Rumi Begum, described a distressing sequence of events. She said the family remained awake throughout the night waiting for his return and became increasingly worried when all contact was lost. Upon reaching the riverbank area in the morning, they found him gravely injured. According to her account, Rakib stated before losing consciousness that he had been beaten.

A table summarising key details of the incident is provided below:

Piyas, the individual named in the allegation, has denied any involvement, claiming he is being falsely implicated. Speaking by mobile phone, he suggested that his name may have been used by rival groups to mislead the victim and orchestrate the incident. He has called for a transparent investigation.

Medical officer Dr. Solaiman Sujan stated that no obvious external injury marks were found on the body. However, preliminary observations suggest the possibility of death by strangulation. He added that the exact cause of death would be confirmed following the post-mortem examination.

Gazaria Police Station Officer-in-Charge Hasan Ali confirmed that Rakib worked at a local factory and reiterated that three individuals had reportedly taken him away from his residence. He said the matter is being treated with utmost seriousness and that efforts are underway to identify and apprehend those responsible.