Autorickshaw Driver Killed, Van Torched by Crowd

An autorickshaw driver lost his life after being struck by a covered van on the Dhaka–Sylhet highway in Brahmanbaria on Tuesday night. Following the accident, an enraged crowd set the van on fire before police arrived at the scene.

The incident occurred around 9:30 pm in the Malihata area. The deceased, Ashiq, 55, was a resident of West Para, Malihata village, Budhal Union, Sadar Upazila, and the son of Ira Miah.

According to local sources, Ashiq was travelling towards Ashuganj with passengers in his autorickshaw when a covered van, coming from the opposite direction, collided with his vehicle. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Immediately after the accident, an angry crowd surrounded the van and set it ablaze. Authorities were notified, and the Khantihata Highway Police Station arrived promptly to control the fire. The van was subsequently seized and taken to the police station for further investigation.

OC Md. Jahangir Alam of Khantihata Highway Police confirmed that the deceased’s body was recovered and, after initial formalities, sent to Brahmanbaria General Hospital morgue for post-mortem examination. Legal proceedings are currently underway in connection with the case.

Incident Summary

The tragic accident has highlighted growing concerns over highway safety and the rising instances of vigilante reactions in the aftermath of road accidents. Authorities have urged commuters to remain calm and allow the law to take its course, while also vowing stricter enforcement of traffic regulations along the busy Dhaka–Sylhet corridor.